Desert soiree: India marks its entry into the world of camel racing

India has made a giant stride very quickly in a sport called Camelid Sports, camel racing in plain speak. Two young boys from varied social spectrums took part in the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain last month. Dubai-based Rishab Rakesh Kadam and Jodhpur’s Hitendra Singh raced against 16 other competitors on October 27, a day that was quietly celebrated by scores of Indians.

No, they did not win a medal, but for a sport that was only recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) sometime in March and was hurriedly added to the Asian Youth Games Sports Programme last month, the 9th and 13th finish was a giant stride for the two 15-year-old boys.

The Indian Olympic Association was officially invited by the organisers to take part in the camel racing event around July, that set the ball rolling for these two boys to become the youth international athletes from India.

Quickly, the Camelid Sports Association of India (CSAI) called for a trial in Jodhpur via an advertisement put out in papers in July and on their social media pages. More than 400 under-18 boys and girls showed up for the trials held in Osian, Jodhpur.

Also joining them was Rishab, a budding horse rider who trains with the prestigious Embassy International Horse Riding School in Bengaluru, and who had already had some exposure to camel racing in Dubai.

“We had next to no time to select a team as we were only told about a chance to participate at the Asian Youth Games in July. We held trials and then a training camp in Jodhpur for the four athletes who were selected,” CSAI secretary Vishnu Narayan said of the difficulties to put together a team at the last moment.

Rishab was notified by officials of the Arabic Desert Camel Racing Centre (ADCRC), Dubai, about the trials and he flew in from Bengaluru, where he is a hosteller in Sterling School, to take part in the trials.

“Two boys and two girls were selected after the trials and then we trained them at the track in Osian to get them ready,” Narayan added.

Then came a very generous offer from the World Camelid Sports (WCS), the world body, and its chief, Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed Al Saud. The WCS hosted the Indian hopefuls and athletes from other countries, including Mongolia, Indonesia, Japan and a few others, on an all-paid training stint in Abu Dhabi before the Asian Youth Games.

“We have to understand that of the three who travelled to Abu Dhabi, two were from rural backgrounds. Language was a barrier for them, so they were reluctant. I had to play the role of both coach and guardian at the same time,” team coach Shaurya Jain explained, recalling their time in Abu Dhabi.

“Hitendra had to be told to shake hands and converse in ‘tooti-footi’ English to communicate. He opened up only after a few days. As opposed to Rishab, Hitendra had to be taught how to use the gym equipment and the pool. He took a great liking after a few days. Once they got comfortable, our timings in training only got better. Other delegates thought we were in for a shout for at least one medal,” she added.

But training and competition are two different things. Like the sport, the organisers and their technical delegates were also involved in a major international for the first time. As a result, chaos preceded the boys’ race that all but ended their chances.

All racers were allotted lanes a day before — Hitendra was to start from lane no.1, Rishab from lane no.5. Minutes before the race, the lanes disappeared and everyone was bunched together. Worse, Hitendra spotted the broken reins on his camel only before the start. It was not replaced and he had to control the camel with just his whip.

“We raised the issue with the delegates. A lot of them could not converse in English. One understood, but they started the race before the reins could be replaced. I would say Hitendra did well to finish 13th,” Jain said.

Disappointed yes, but this is only a small step. The two boys and a few others have a chance to take part in the 2030 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, and possibly in 2034 Saudi Arabia. Rishab is upbeat.

“If it happens, then it would be wonderful if some of us go and participate. I loved the experience at the Asian Youth Games. I met a lot of people. Yes, there was a little chaos during the race but considering the circumstances, we did OK,” Rishab said.

They were also given tired and old camels for the race.

“They were finishing in the podium places during practice but a few things did not go well for us before the race, but I am very proud that we could produce a team at such short notice and we were competitive,” Jain said.

The start has given them belief but it remains to be seen how the federation, after this initial fillip, sustains the game with national and other tournaments to keep the interest going in a sport that is largely played in and around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner areas of Rajasthan.