NEW DELHI (India): Buffalo jockey Srinivas Gowda, whose record-setting performance in a traditional footrace has compared to sprint legend Usain Bolt, has refused to take part in a track and field trial.
Gowda and his buffaloes ran 142.5 metres in 13.62 seconds, setting a record in the annual race known as Kambala in the southern state of Karnataka.
With a time that equates to running 100m in 9.55 seconds, compared to the retired Bolt’s world record of 9.58sec, social media buzz erupted over him.
India’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said he will arrange trials for Gowda, who politely declined an invitation from the sports minister.
“I will not be attending trials at Sports Authority of India. I want to achieve more in Kambala,” Gowda told the media. “Kambala and track events are different and those who have done well in one cannot replicate in the other.”
“Many who have achieved in track events have tried Kambala and have not been successful. In Kambala we run on heels whereas in track it is on toes.”
Srinivas Gowda
Kambala is an annual race where racers splash 142m through paddy fields holding a rope attached to two buffaloes, who run ahead of them.
“Never in my dream did I think that I would be so famous. The credit should go to my buffaloes,” said Gowda. “I could achieve this only because they cooperated with me.”
