Mangaluru, Jan 31: "Kasaragod and Tulunadu have traditionally been a unique place for Kambala and now it is getting international recognition. Fans of the Kambala sport are organising programmes all over the country. Kambala is a time consuming sport causing problems to everyone including judges, contestants and the audiences. So a special automatic time gate technology along with photo finish result technology are being incorporated which will help in saving a lot of time," said Lokesh Shetty, secretary of district Kambala committee at a press meet held here on Wednesday, January 31 at the Ocean Pearl Hotel.

He also said that "People should not forget that Kambala is an essential part of our tradition and Adani group has always supported us and they are donating nearly Rs 10 lacs to promote the sport. We are also asking for some land at Pilikula and we will be laying a ground for Kambala where other programmes will also be staged there. Discussions are on with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding this."

Kishor Alva, in-charge DK Adani Foundation Group said that "As a child I was always attracted towards traditional games such as Kambala and since I was a sportsman myself I understood that the runners who run along with bull are quick runners. The symbol of Adani group's Mangaluru airport is Kambala. Hence this tradition should be saved."

He also said that "We do not harm animals, Photo finish result technology is really needed and the committee has taken this step to preserve the tradition and we have plans of taking bigger steps into the future. A dedicated hall should be built. Farmers and Adani group will always support the local farmers."

Answering media queries as to why the Kambala statue was removed from the airport, Kishor Alva said that, "The airport authority has their own decisions and we have created a heritage point and Nagamandala formation keeping Mangaluru's tradition in mind and that has not been removed from the Mangaluru Airport as it can be seen both at the domestic and international terminals."

When questions were raised regarding what measures have been taken to protect the bull, the committee said "We have discussed that we will give three chances to everyone. First there will be a warning and at the second instance we will impose a fine on them and at the third instance we will disqualify the individuals. The beating of animal has reduced in recent days and we have held several meetings to address these issues."

Ratnakar, in-charge of photo finish result technology and special automatic time gate technology said: "The gates are automated and it closes at a specified time. As soon as the gates are opened the bull will run and due to this new initiative Kambala is estimated to end within 24 hours and each bull will get five minutes."

He also said that "Laser technology has been used since the last 10 years and to get the best results a specialised system is being incorporated. There will be two gates and time count will start once the lights turn green."