Kambala lovers hail Centre's nod for animal races

:The lovers of 'Kambala' (buffalo racing in mud fields) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and organisers and trainers of racing buffallos today welcomed the Centre's notification allowing Kambala, Jallikattu and a fewother forms of animal races in the country.
The January 7 notification issued by Union ministry of forestsand environment had exempted Kambala and some other rural folksports from the purview of an earlier notification in 2011, which banned all sporting events using animals.
The order had clarified that all traditional forms of entertainment using bullocks, and buffalos could be allowed.
In a statement here, honorary adviser of DK and Udupi District Kambala Samiti Gunapal Kadamba said Kambala was more of a ritual than a sport and a part of the culture of the region.

The event had a history of over 600 years.
Around 24 Kambalas are organised in the two districts between November and March every year.
Kadamba advised organisers of Kambala events to be careful not to violate the conditions laid down by the state government to prevent cruelty towards animals.
Several organisations conducting Kambala events in the two districts have welcomed the central notification.