2 bull tamers dead, 60 injured during 'Jallikattu' in TN's Madurai

Over 300 catchers took part in this year's Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram. Nearly 700 bulls entered the ring. Regardless of injuries, the youth vied with one another to show their bravery. Bull tamer, Vijay, stood first in the festival sport and got car prize from TN Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Madurai (Tamil Nadu):Two bull tamers were reported dead and over 60 other participants injured during the famous traditional Jallikattu competition being held at Palamedu. The injured have been shifted to the Government Rajaji Medical College Hospital here. TN Chief Minister M K Stalin announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the deceased duo.

One of the deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Aravind, who was leading in third place after he controlled about 9 bulls but was knocked down by one of them. The severely injured tamer was initially rushed to the primary health centre (PHC) for first aid and later referred to the Government Rajaji Medical College Hospital. "He was gored in the abdomen when he attempted to embrace the bull during the sport," a senior police official said.

Aravind Raj had been faster than the animals and displayed a unique skill in taming the bull successfully. His name figured in the list of tamers who embraced the maximum number from among the nearly 800 bulls that were being released since morning from the Vadivasal (entry point) into the arena, the official said.

Meanwhile. tense moments and intense curiosity prevailed during the competition as more than 300 catchers from different parts of the region entered the ring. The organisers roped in over 700 bulls. Madurai District Collector said that all arrangements were taken for the safety of the bull tamers and arrangements were made to rush medical care if participants were injured.

Jallikattu holds an ever-increasing cultural grip over the people of Tamil Nadu. The word is derived from 'salli' (coins) and 'kattu' (tie), denoting a bundle of coins tied to a bull in the arena where a participant would have to tame the bull and fetch the prize bundle. This year too, enthusiastic participation was seen. The 11-round competition was extended for more time due to the huge interest shown by fighters and onlookers.

Frenzied chivalry marked the competition in which Vijay, a youth from Jaihindpuram, captured 28 bulls and stood in the first place. Karthik from Avaniyapuram got 2nd position by taming 17 bulls and Balaji from Vilangudi got 3rd position with 13 bulls. The first prize winner, Vijay, was presented with a trophy for the best cow captor and a car on behalf of Chief Minister M K Stalin. Hailing from Jaihindpuram, Madurai, Vijay is working as a gang man in the Tamil Nadu Power Board.

As before, blood was spilt this year also during Jallikattu. Over 61 bull tamers were injured. Of them, 17 grievously injured fighters have been sent to the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital for further treatment. Similarly, the best bull was awarded a two-wheeler on behalf of Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. Second and third-place cow catchers were awarded a cow and a calf.

The best-performing bulls were also given awards. Kamesh's bull from Katthanendal, Madurai district, won first place. Villupuram Karthik's bull got second place and Avaniyapuram Murugan's bull got the third place. These bull owners were gifted cows and calves on behalf of Madurai Corporation Mayor Indrani Ponvasanth.

Gold and silver coins engraved with the image of Chief Minister M K Stalin and former Chief Minister Karunanidhi were awarded to all the bull and cow catchers who participated in this competition which was held on Pongal day on Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Also, many youths were honoured for taking part in the competition and showing exemplary bravery in catching the bulls. They were given prizes including vessels, dhotis, bicycles, shelves, mixers and plastic chairs.