Mangaluru/New Delhi: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017, which exempts folk sports like Kambala from the ambit of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, has received the assent from the President.

The Bill was passed in the legislature session held in November 2017 and sent for Presidential assent. The Bill allows to hold traditional sports event like Kamabla, bull race or bullock cart race towards preserving and promoting the culture of the state.

The President gave his assent to the Bill on February 10 and the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a detailed communication to the state government in this regard on February 19, said sources.

This comes as a huge relief to Kambala lovers across coastal Karnataka. Cricketers Virendra Sehwag and Mohammed Kaif too tweeted in support of the sport and expressed happiness over President’s nod.