Over 20 severely injured in Madurai jallikattu

As many as 567 bulls were allowed to take part in the Palamedu event after screening, while 739 tamers performed over eight rounds from 8 am till about 4.30 p.m. In all, 988 bulls and 846 tamers were registered, sources said.

Bulls from various regions, including Madurai, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Tiruchy and Pudukkottai, participated in the event. From the start of the event, eager bull tamers keenly watched the ‘Vaadivaasal’ — a place through which registered bulls are let out into the arena. Sporting colourful jerseys, the tamers displayed their skills with most targeting the bull’s hump.

According to Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, R Rajasekaran, a total of 604 bulls were examined by a team of 12 veterinary doctors at Palamedu. Of the animals examined, 10 were rejected.

Sources from the organising committee said while Prabakaran, a bull tamer from Othaveedu near Alanganallur, was awarded a two-wheeler after he tamed 10 bulls, Prabu of Malaipatti, the owner of the best bull in the event, received a car. Besides, prizes such as gold coins, LED televisions, mixers, grinders and others were also distributed to the tamers.

Madurai Collector S Natarajan inaugurated the event in the presence of IG, South Zone, KP Shanmuga Rajeswaran, and Rajendran, president, Palamedu Grama Podhu Mahalingasamy Madam Committee, which organised the event.