Mysuru: The popular coastal sport ‘Kambala’ (buffalo race in slush field) is all set to enter the plain lands in Mysuru region in a big way with the organisation of the sport at Mysuru city during the world famous Dasara.

With the Dasara Kambala all set to make a big splash in the city, the authorities are preparing the ground for the sport in a 25-acre area belonging to MDA near VTU regional Centre along the ring road at Sathagalli.

Despite stiff and relentless opposition by environmental groups, the District Administration has begun preparations for hosting the coastal sport for the first time in Mysuru region, during Nada Habba, when lakhs of tourists would  be visiting the city .

The sport features three elements

The Track: Two parallel tracks are prepared in a muddy, water filled field, usually about 150 metres long.

The Race: Pairs of well-trained buffaloes are tied together and raced down the tracks.

The Driver: A farmer or jockey runs alongside the buffalo pair, driving them forward through the slush.

With the Kambala being organised for the first time ever at Mysuru, it is expected that about 150 to 175 pairs of buffaloes would take part in the race. Separate shelters are being provided for housing the animals and the spectators who come for watching this curious sport.

While the public will be allowed to watch the sport from the Ring Road side, the buffaloes, owners and farmers/ jockeys will be provided shelter on the other side of the tracks.

ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, who is also the Dasara Kambala Sub-Committee Chairman,  said that all measures are being taken to ensure that there are no problems for buffaloes, their owners/ jockeys and members of the public who arrive for watching the sport. Maintaining that the civil works on the construction of tracks has just  begun, he said, however, the number of pairs to take part has not yet been fixed.

“Discussions are being held between the MCC, Forest Department and ZP over judicious use of water for the preparation of slush fields and tracks. The tracks are being prepared just like the ones in the coastal districts, where the sport is a huge attraction, he said adding that there are plans to limit the number of pairs of buffaloes that would take part in the event.