TIRUCHY: With strict protocols in place, Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai kickstarted the first jallikattu event of 2026. The grand event saw the participation of 361 tamers and 500 bulls. Over the course of the event, 14 tamers and four bulls were hurt, with four tamers and one bull severely injured.

With strict regulations and vigil taken on by police and other officials, 891 bulls were registered for the event from districts including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul and Sivaganga.

However, only 502 were brought for the screening, among which 500 were allowed to the vaadivaasal. After a medical fitness test, youths from in and around Pudukkottai were let into the arena. The tamers were divided into groups, and they were allowed on a rotation basis in the rings.

Ministers S Regupathy and Siva V Meyyanathan flagged off the event, in the presence of District Collector M Aruna and the temple bull was released to register the commencement of the event.

The event was scheduled between 8 am and 4 pm, during which as many as 14 tamers sustained injuries. The four severely injured tamers were referred to the Pudukkottai Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, four bulls were injured, among which one sustained severe injury. The bull was referred to the Orathanadu Veterinary College and is undergoing treatment.