– R Guruprasad
Karnataka CM B.S.Yedyurappa felicitates Kambala sensation Srinivasa Gowda in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. Several other ministers from his cabinet also seen in the pic
In a bid to encourage Desi Sports, Karnataka Government felicitated the sensation of Kambala buffalo race fame Srinivasa Gowda. Chief minister B.S.Yeddurappa said it is the duty of the Government to identify and nurture rural talents and commended the achievements of Srinivasa Gowda.
The humble construction worker Srinivasa Gowda from a small village Ashwathapura in Dakshina Kannada district had never imagined even in his wildest dreams that he would become a global star overnight. He is even compared with the world record holder sprinter Usain Bolt.
Karnataka Chief minister honored Srinivasa Gowda in Vidhana Soudha on February 17 by offering him a shawl, traditional Mysore turban, bouquet, and citation. Within minutes of ‘Sarkari Puraskar,’ the department of Labour offered him A cheque for Rs.3 Lakh as he is a registered construction worker. When the government itself recognizes and encourages the new sports star, naturally many individuals and companies also come forward to offer their support. Dr. Ashwath Narayan, the deputy chief minister offered Srinivasa Gowda Rs.1 lakh from his Ashwath Narayan foundation, which promotes sports and culture.
Srinivasa Gowda’s coach and the founder of Kambala academy in Mudabidre, Gunapal Kadamba said Srinivasa Gowda has the potential to run faster than his present record of covering 146 meters in 13.68 seconds. ” His (Srinivasa Gowda) ability to run depends on the speed of the buffalos. If buffalos run faster he too can fast and break his own records,” said Gunapal Kadamba.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Ajay Kumar Bahl, Senior Director of Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bengaluru said Government of India is eager to train Srinivasa Gowda and invited Srinivasa Gowda for trials. ” We want to identify and develop sports talents from across the globe. Our team visits local sports meet to take the stock of the situation and recommends people with Zeal to play games. In front of the august audience, I would like to personally invite Srinivasa Gowda to join us and by working together he can bring laurels to our country,” said Ajay Kumar Bahl.
The soft-spoken Srinivasa Gowda offered all the credits of his success to the owners of buffalos who were present there. ” Without buffalos and the owners of buffalos, I am zero. It is their trust in me that I am able to reach this level. I will continue to work hard and never let the success go into my head. I am happy that our local sport ‘Kambala’ has been noticed by the entire globe,” said Srinivasa Gowda.
There was big applause when Srinivasa Gowda’s coach informed the gathering that even after getting recognition worldwide, he (Srinivasa Gowda) continue his centering work at the construction sites.
