The coastal city of Mangaluru came alive with the thunder of hooves and the cheers of thousands as the ninth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala got underway at Goldfinch City in Bangrakuluru. The prestigious event was formally inaugurated by legendary Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom, in the presence of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
A Champion's Connection to Rural Roots
Greeting the gathered crowd in the local Tulu language with a warm "Mantheregla Namaskara," Mary Kom expressed her deep affinity for rural sporting traditions. She revealed that events like Kambala hold a special place in her heart, drawing a parallel to her own humble beginnings.
"Thank you so much for having me here," she said. "I would like to thank Capt Chowta and congratulate him on hosting such a wonderful event. It is really amazing and I can connect to it because I also belong to a very humble village in Manipur." The boxing icon praised Kambala as a unique tradition not found in other Indian states, calling the ninth-year celebration in Mangaluru truly auspicious. She later presented prizes to the winners of various competitions.
Spectacle and Significance: The Kambala Grounds
The event proved to be a massive draw, attracting thousands of visitors from across Karnataka and beyond. The core of the excitement centered on the slush tracks, where around 170 pairs of buffaloes raced and splashed in various competitive categories, showcasing the raw power and skill intrinsic to this traditional sport of Tulunadu.
Speaking at the inauguration, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta highlighted the event's broader cultural and social context. "It is our primary duty to combat those trying to spread misconceptions and misinformation about Dakshina Kannada district," he stated. Linking the local spirit to national vision, he asserted that with robust local participation, the dream of ‘Mangaluru 2.0' and a ‘Developed Mangaluru', as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could be realized.
Patriotism and Special Initiatives Mark the Event
This year's Kambala was infused with patriotic fervor. In a moving gesture to celebrate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram', a group of 150 female students dressed in white rendered the National Song at the venue, creating a poignant moment for the audience.
The festival extended beyond the races with five special activities designed to engage the community:
- An art exhibition detailing the history of the brave queen Rani Abbakka.
- Distribution of plants under the Prime Minister's ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.
- Honouring local entrepreneurs through the ‘Back to Ooru' programme.
- A visit to share joy with residents at an old-age home.
The ninth Mangaluru Kambala successfully blended adrenaline-pumping action, deep-rooted cultural pride, and community-focused initiatives, solidifying its status as a premier event in Karnataka's coastal calendar.
