Sports technology trends are all set to reshape traditional sports and games. Traditional sports in India are gaining popularity through the implementation of technologies. Automated time gates and photo finishes in rural traditional sports will give a feast to the eyes of the observers. Let us deep dive into the technologies embellishing traditional sports and the traditional games in India. 

Technology Implementation in Kambala

Automated time gate and photo finish result systems for the Kambala race were successfully implemented at the Aikala Kambala event in Aikala in Mangalore. 

Commenting on the occasion, Kishore Alva, President & Executive Director—Corporate Affairs, Adani Power Limited, says, “Adani Group, through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, aims to promote rural sports, and Kambala, which has a long history and is a traditional rural sport in the coastal region, has received support from the Adani Group. The recently introduced automated time gate facility and photo finish facilities at Aikala Kambala were successful, and it's a source of pride for all the Kambala organizers and fans.”

The cutting-edge tech enables race organizers to shorten the duration at the start and ease the process of obtaining the results at the finish line. The thought process of giving Kambala a hi-tech touch was applauded by Alva, who also believes that Kambala should compete on a global scale. The Aikala Kambalotsava is celebrated every year with grandiosity, and this time the Kambala sport has gotten even more amazing thanks to the adoption of cutting-edge tech.

Dr. M N Rajendra Kumar, President of Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation and Chairman of SCDCC Bank, says, “The sport of Kambala has already established itself in the coastal region and the state's capital, and by adopting innovative techniques in association with the Adani Group, Kambala is expected to establish itself both in the country and abroad in the upcoming days.”

Automatic Time Gate Technology

Kasaragod and Tulunadu have long been a special spot for Kambala, and now it's getting worldwide recognition. Fans of the Kambala sport are putting on events throughout the country. Kambala is a demanding sport that can pose challenges for everyone, from the judges to the contestants and the spectators. A special automatic time gate technology and photo finish result technology are being incorporated, which will help in saving a lot of time, said Lokesh Shetty, secretary of the district Kambala committee, 

It's important to remember that Kambala is an essential part of our culture, and the Adani group has always been there for us, contributing nearly Rs 10 lacs to promote the sport. We're asking for some land at Pilikula, too, and we're going to prepare a site for Kambala, where other shows will take place. 

How Does TimeGate Technology Benefit Sports?

Kishor Alva says, "As a child, I was always attracted towards traditional games such as Kambala, and since I was a sportsman myself, I understood that the runners who run along with bull are quick. The symbol of Adani Group's Mangaluru airport is Kambala. Without any doubt, this tradition should be saved."

“We don't hurt animals; photo finish result technology is needed, and the committee has taken this step to preserve the tradition. We're looking forward to taking bigger steps in the future. A separate room is needed. The farmers and the Adani group will always be there for them,” Alva adds. 

Ratnakar, who is in charge of photo finish result technology and special automatic time gate technology, says, "The gates are controlled by computers and close at a certain time. The bull will run as soon as the gates open, and thanks to this new initiative, Kambala is estimated to finish in 24 hours, and each bull will get five minutes. A specialized system is being incorporated to get the best results, as laser technology has been used for the past 10 years. The two gates will be open, and the countdown will begin when the lights turn green.”

Digital Technology and Village Games

India is predominantly rural, with more than 70 percent of its population dwelling in villages. The pace of change in rural areas is accelerated by the advancements made possible by modern technological innovation and scientific progress. Village dwellers now have better access to modern technology and amenities, like a strong road network, educational institutions, medical facilities, leisure centers, etc. These facilities, coupled with a fast-paced lifestyle and growing materialism, have almost wiped out the old way of casual, corporate, and laid-back living in rural areas. Materialism and self-centeredness are invading the corporate lives of rural people so much that they have also adopted the urban way of life, and one of the consequences of this trend is the lack of respect for our ancestral culture and heritage. As a result, villagers have been showing waning interest in traditional sports and games, which used to be an integral part of our culture and a means to bring the villagers together, but which are now rapidly disappearing in the wilderness.

The government ought to release liberal funds to the panchayats and other such bodies to conduct tournaments to promote these games. Our culture relies heavily on these games, and we must incorporate them into our daily routines. Parents must also take time out of their busy schedules to encourage their children to play these games so that their excess energy is channeled and these games are saved from extinction. Digital technology has transformed traditional Indian games in several ways, including by digitizing them or transferring them to digital platforms like websites, mobile apps, and gaming systems. Transforming a game's physical or analog form into a digital or electronic one that can be stored, communicated, and played on a digital device is known as digitalization. Digitization has allowed for the expansion and diversification of traditional Indian entertainment, both within and outside the country. Digitization has also allowed traditional Indian games to adapt and grow in response to changing times and technology by introducing new features, modes, and designs.