Hokkadigoli Kambala: Jockey endures and wins race after falling midway; Video viral

Team Udayavani, Dec 6, 2021, 5:21 PM IST

Bantwal: Kambala is a sport of endurance and speed. It also is a sport of determination and grit.

The spectators, at the Hokkadigoli Veera-Vikrama Joudkere Kambala on Sunday, witnessed an exciting yet rare event when the jockey showed exemplary courage to finish the race. The jockey who fell face-first into the slushy water while being dragged by the racing buffalos did not let go of the reins and won the race. The visuals from the race are now going viral on social media.

Akash Bhandari from Hirebettu Udupi was jockeying the pair of water buffaloes owned by Perne Vishnumoorthi Devatha Ganapa Bhandari in the pre-quarters finals of the Roped (junior division) race.

As the buffaloes ran about three-fourths of the race track, Akash lost his footing in the slushy waters and fell. Though the buffaloes dragged him in the muddy water for about 20 meters, the jockey did not let go of the reins and eventually crossed the finish line. He also won the race.

Kambala fans applauded and praised Akash’s courageous performance. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media.