Manaluru: Even as the Kambala season is set to begin on Oct 18, the Karnataka State Kambala Association, the state’s official body under the Karnataka Sports Authority, will organise a training camp for jockeys from coastal districts.A selection process will be held at Karkala Sunday. Selected candidates will undergo a 10-day training programme covering physical fitness, yoga, endurance and other aspects of kambala racing.State Kambala Association president Deviprasad Shetty Belapu said the programme would be an opportunity for those who dream of shining as kambala jockeys. The association, in coordination with the District Kambala Association, will organise the selection process.Young aspirants in the 18-35 age group will be considered during the selection process, he said, adding that nearly 35 aspirants will be selected for the training programme.Shetty said more than 100 youths from the coastal region are expected to participate in the selection process.Sources said there will be no fee for participants. The camp aims to train them under expert coaches.The 10-day training camp, beginning Sept 16, will focus primarily on participants’ physical fitness. In addition to physical fitness, yoga, and endurance training, experts will also impart theoretical knowledge of kambala.Practical sessions will help participants learn to run buffaloes on the kambala kare. Seniors will also impart knowledge on preparations before kambala events, including preparing buffaloes and tracks.On the final day, a junior-level kambala competition will be organised for participants. Winners will be awarded gold medals, sources said.Workshops on judging kambala events and commentary will also be organised. The organisers have also planned sessions by physiotherapists on various aspects of physical fitness.Participants will be provided free food during the training camp.
