India's traditional Kambala race sees buffaloes sprint through watery trenches in Karnataka.<br /><br />Participants sprint through a field, which is normally either 132m or 142m, with two buffalo that are tethered together.<br /><br />Initially, it was about getting the slushy paddy fields ready for sowing - the running buffaloes thoroughly churned the soil but it has since turned into a race.<br /><br />In the past, the Kambala sport has attracted strong criticism from animal rights groups. <br /><br />PETA had earlier approached the Karnataka High Court alleging Kambala involves cruelty to animals. The high court agreed and banned the sport, which led to mass outrage. <br /><br />However, soon after, the state government passed an ordinance or executive order to allow it, subject to some conditions.<br /><br />This footage was filmed on February 29.
