Kambala sprinter Srinivas Gowda, who completed the 100 meters in 9.55 seconds in the traditional sports competition held at Aikala near Moodbidri, is likely to receive training at the Sports Authority of India Bengaluru center.
SAI officials led by South India director Ajay Kumar Bahl, who was a spectator at the Anna-Thamma Kambala held at Paivalike Anna-Thamma Kambala held at Paivalike held positive talks with Gowda and urged him to attend training in Bengaluru.
Kambala Academy coordinator Gunpal Kadamb told me that the meeting was also attended by SAI athletic coaches Kurien P Mathew and Harish. He further added that as Gowda does not has experience in running on synthetic tracks and athletics so the academy has decided to give him initial training to run on the track wearing shoes at Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri and Mangala stadium in the city.
It is to be noted that Gowda, who is now known as ‘Usain Bolt’ of India, was invited to train at SAI by Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju had invited Gowda after his achievement broke the internet and he was soon being compared to legendary Usain Bolt. However, Gowda had turned down the offer saying that running in marshy fields and on synthetic track are two different things. He had also said that he was happy and content where he was and wanted to continue participating in the Kambala race.
Gowda has now agreed to give it a try and is touted to join the SAI facility in Bengaluru in April. It is said that Gowda may be joining SAI as soon as the current Kambala season culminates.
Gowda has clinched record 39 medals during the current season. Kambala season is scheduled to end on March 7 after which Gowda’s plan to join the Bengaluru facility of SAI will be finalized. The SAI has also been informed that Gowda will need some rest before joining the facility in Bengaluru.
It is also reported that Kambala academy trainer Vasanth Jogi, a national athletic trainer, has been tasked to provide initial training to the Indian ‘Usan Bolt.’
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