Bengaluru: Last year, Karnataka’s Srinivas Gowda was dubbed India’s answer to Usain Bolt, when he sprinted 142.5 metres in just 13.62 seconds as part of the traditional Kambala buffalo race. But this year, Gowda fell and injured himself in the first race of the Kambala season last Sunday, and while he still wants to compete in the next race this Saturday, his hope of improving his times has diminished.
Gowda was injured while sprinting with his buffaloes at a Kambala event at Hokkadigoli village in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district last Sunday, and was almost in tears when he spoke to ThePrint over the phone.
“I was all set to participate in three different categories, but during the first race, I lost control of the buffaloes and landed on the ground. I have injured my legs and hand due to the fall, and the pain continues to persist. I am waiting for an X-ray, and after that it will be decided if I can contest in the next race at the Aikala Bava Kambala on 6 February,” Gowda told ThePrint.
On the prospect of missing time due to his injuries, Gowda added: “I will be very, very disappointed. I have never missed a Kambala since I started running. I hope to recover soon.”
Comparisons with Bolt
Kambala is a traditional sport in the Tulunadu region of coastal Karnataka, and involves barefoot sprinters running behind two buffaloes tied to a plough. Gowda became an overnight sensation when he ran the 142.5 metre track in just 13.62 seconds.
Many people drew incorrect comparisons to Usain Bolt’s 100 metre sprint world record of 9.58 seconds, since according to the average speeds, Gowda’s looked like the faster effort. But buffaloes provide a lot of momentum to Kambala sprinters, and the timings obviously aren’t as precise as in international events.
Nevertheless, Gowda earned national recognition and was handed a cheque for Rs 3 lakh towards his training from Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa. Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of State with Independent Charge of Youth Affairs and Sports, moved to have the Sports Authority of India conduct sprint trials with him.
Yes @PMuralidharRao ji. Officials from SAI have contacted him. His rail ticket is done and he will reach SAI centre on monday. I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trials properly. We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identity sporting talents! https://t.co/RF7KMfIHAD
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 15, 2020
Gowda had told ThePrint in an interview soon after being felicitated by Yediyurappa: “It was the first time Kambala got national recognition. I am proud to be a part of it. Next race, I will perform even better. Maybe I could end up in the Olympics.”
In 15 Kambala events last year, Gowda had bagged a total of 46 medals — 34 gold and 12 silver.
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