#eNaradaNews | Bengaluru | Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 15:24 IST
By R. Guru Prasad
If buffalos run faster, I can run like the wind and break my own record, says the sensation of Desi sport Kambala Buffalo racer Srinivasa Gowda.
He was speaking after receiving the state honor in Vidhana Soudha by Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on February 17.
“I can run as fast as buffalos. I attribute my achievements to buffalos, its owners, and my coach. I am extremely happy that the glory of our karavali desi sport ‘Kambala’ buffalo race is spread across the world. I look forward to breaking my own record and bring laurels to our country,” said Srinivasa Gowda.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has invited him for trials and intends to train him as a sprinter for the upcoming Olympics. Captain Ajay Kumar Bahl, Senior Director of SAI Bengaluru said rural talents like Srinivasa Gowda are an asset to the country.
Gunapal Kadamba, founder of Kambala Academy and the coach to Srinivasa Gowda said they are yet to decide on the offer given by SAI to take trials. Srinivasa Gowda is a humble person who is dedicated to the cause of Kambala sport and has made a commitment to run in many more Kambala tournaments across Dakshina Kannada. “Despite media recognition, Srinivasa Gowda wants to remain as simple as possible. He was enquiring about the construction work which he has to attend in his hometown when we were discussing going to Bengaluru to receive the honors,” said Gunapal Kadamba.
The labor department in Karnataka Government offered him Rupees 3 lakh considering the fact that Srinivasa Gowda is a registered labor worker.
As a mark of appreciation, Dr. Ashwath Narayan, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka too felicitated Srinivasa Gowda and announced an honorary prize of 1 lakh from his Malleshwaram Sports Authority at Bengaluru on February 18.
