The coastal city of Mangaluru witnessed sporting history being rewritten as the ninth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala concluded with a spectacular new record. The event, organized by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, was held at the popular Rama–Lakshmana Jodukare track in Goldfinch City, Bangrakuluru.
A Historic Sprint in the Slush
In the climactic final round of the prestigious Negilu Hiriya category, a pair of powerful buffaloes, owned by S Sandeep Shetty and expertly guided by jockey Mastikere Swaroop, blazed through the slush track to set a new benchmark. According to official data from Mulikar Kanginamane Vijay Kumar, advisor to the Mangaluru Kambala, the duo covered the 125-meter distance in a mere 10.8 seconds.
This extraordinary feat translates to an astonishing speed of 100 meters in just 8.6 seconds, showcasing a blistering pace that rivals some of the fastest sprints in the traditional sport. Jockey Swaroop, who has been an active and consistent performer in Kambala for over three years, finally etched his name into the record books with this stellar run.
Echoes of a National Sensation
The new record inevitably draws comparisons to a previous milestone that captured the nation's imagination. Advisor Vijay Kumar recalled the 2020 event where jockey Srinivas Gowda from Mijar became a national sensation. Kumar had famously compared Gowda's performance to that of international sprint legend Usain Bolt.
Gowda had clocked 13.6 seconds over a longer 145-meter slush track at the Kakkepadav Kambala, which translated to a 100-meter time of approximately 8.7 seconds. The new record set by Swaroop and Shetty's buffaloes now narrowly surpasses that iconic timing, marking a new chapter in the evolution of this ancient sport.
Celebrating Coastal Karnataka's Legacy
Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, is more than just a sport; it is a vibrant cultural festival that celebrates the agrarian heritage of the region. Events like the Mangaluru Kambala attract thousands of enthusiasts, showcasing the deep bond between the jockeys and their animals. The setting of a new record adds significant prestige to the event and highlights the continuous pursuit of excellence within this traditional framework.
The successful organization by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and the record-breaking performance have once again put the spotlight on Mangaluru as a hub for preserving and promoting this unique athletic tradition. It underscores the thrilling combination of skill, speed, and synchronization required to excel in the muddy tracks of Kambala.
