TIRUCHY: The new Jallikattu stadium in Sooriyur in Tiruchy, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore, would be open for events this year. The stadium is expected to host more events this year as the organisers have planned to approach the officials for permission by this week.

As the new jallikattu stadium includes several facilities such as a vast arena along with a permanent vadivasal, two VIP galleries and two galleries for spectators and usually, moving from the trend of holding only one event in Sooriyur, the organisers across Tiruchy have decided to hold the event in the stadium form this year.

“Because of a permanent structure for galleries in place in the stadium, at least 50 per cent of the total expenditure would be saved. We need at least Rs 5 lakh for establishing galleries for spectators and VIPs, the mini stadium would save such an amount, and instead the fund could be utilised for the other purposes," said Jallikattu D Rajesh, the Founder President of Tamilar Veera Vilayattu Kazhagam.

He welcomed this initiative by the government but urged that the officials should ensure proper collection points. “The present collection point is said to be on private land. Thus, the officials should obtain formal, permanent permission from their owners to avoid any issues," Rajesh said. He further noted that as the number of bull owners increased across the State, the number of bulls taking part in each event this year has increased.

“The larger bull population will pave the way for the conduct of new events with the government's permission, and the initiative for online registration for the event is also a boon for the organisers," he said.

Sources said that the jallikattu stadium is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 15 by the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the events would kickstart from then on.