24 injured in Madhakkottai jallikattu

Nearly 652 bulls from many places around Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tiruchy and Madurai districts participated in the event. As many as 310 bull tamers were in the arena in batches to tame the bulls.

During the event which lasted till 4.15 pm as many as 24 bull tamers were injured. Of them, 20 were seriously injured and rushed to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. Four others were treated for minor injuries at the venue itself. A Annadurai, Collector, SS Maheswaran were present at the inauguration of the event.

The annual event was inaugurated by MP K Parasuraman. 

Coconut pith was spread to a distance of 500 feet to ensure that the tamers were not injured in the action. Those who could hold the bulls to certain distance from the Vadivasal were declared the winners. Prizes including bicycles, bureau, stainless steel utensils were distributed to the tamers as well as the bull owners.

The bull tamers, who came to the contest, were allowed after medical examination and similarly the veterinarians also assessed the fitness of the bulls for participation before the event.