₹1.15 crore sanctioned for 23 kambalas in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts by Karnataka Tourism Department
The Karnataka Tourism Department has sanctioned ₹1.15 crore to support 23 'kambala' buffalo racing events across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the 2025-26 season. Stakeholders are also meeting to discuss potential expansion and performance improvements for the sport.
Why it matters
This funding reflects state-level support for traditional cultural sports, balancing heritage preservation with tourism development.
Tourism Department of Karnataka has sanctioned ₹ 1.15 crore to 23 ‘kambalas’ (slush track buffalo race) held in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the 2025-26 season.
As per two separate the sanction orders issued by the Department on July 14, each ‘kambala’ organiser will thus get ₹5 lakh .
According to the orders, Dakshina Kannada will get ₹95 lakh for 19 kambalas and Udupi district has been sanctioned ₹20 lakh for four kambalas. The funds will be released through the Deputy Commissioners, who head the district tourism development committees.
In Udupi district, the funds have been sanctioned to the kambalas of Soorya-Chandra of Baradibeedu, Lava-Kusha of Meeyar, Koti-Chennaya of Adve, and Tenka-Bada of Yermal.
The kambalas had been held under the auspices of Karnataka Kambala Association.
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