Mangaluru: Kedubari Guruvappa Poojary (78), a veteran Kambala lover from Gurupur, passed away in an accident on Sunday August 8.

The tragic incident occurred as a car collided with his two-wheeler near Gurpur bridge at Kukkudakatte.

Guruvappa was on his way to the Kukkudakatte dairy to deliver milk. He was thrown onto the road and suffered brain injuries as a result of the accident. He was rushed to the hospital, but he died on the way.

He had a long career in the field of Kambala, spanning 47 years. He had always been interested in agriculture and in Kambala since he was a child. After finishing his agricultural chores, he used to run his buffalo.

In Kambala games, his buffaloes won multiple medals in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He began by competing with buffalos in Kambala competitions, then eventually tamed a pair of buffalos for the sport.

Guruvappa’s buffaloes have taken part in Kambala events in Mulky, Mijar, Bajagoli, Puttur, Kavalkatte, Uppinangady, Jeppu, Katapady, Boliyar, Moodbidri, Venoor, Kajoor, Padubidri, Bolluru, Ikala, Thiruvailu, Surthkal, Pilikula, Hosabettu, and other places.

According to sources, the last rites will be held on Monday August 9 in Kedubari, Gurpur.