Mangaluru: “In the history of Kambala, there are no instances to prove that animals are tortured or have died during the this rural sport. Kambala, which is a part of worship, tradition and culture of farmers in coastal Karnataka, has its own history and it is evident through documents and inscriptions.

Therefore, the union government has to take necessary steps to support Kambala and to protect the rich heritage of Karnataka state,” urged Lok Sabha MP Nalin Kumar Kateel in the winter parliament session on Tuesday. The MP also urged both state and union governments to take steps to lift ban on Kambala immediately.

Speaking rule 377 of the parliament, he said, “Kambala, the traditional buffalo race is a significant part of culture in Karnataka. The event involves only the race of buffaloes across slushy paddy fields.”

“There are hundreds of Kambala fields exist in coastal area from Byndoor in Karnataka to Kasaragod of Kerala state. Kambala is being organised in a very systematic manner without harming anything, anyone,” he informed the parliament.

“There is a need to preserve our culture, folk sports, and folk tradition of the country including Karnataka. Both the union and state governments need to promote all the rural sports by sanctioning funds and also honouring achievers in this sport with awards,” MP said.