Missing bullock race disappoints sport lovers

Anil Datt

Kila Raipur, January 30

Sports enthusiasts who had been visiting the place annually to enjoy bullock-cart races were a disappointed lot this time round.

While the 79th edition of the Kila Raipur Games kicked off today, the adrenaline-pumping cart races that had given games popularity the world were not there to be see.

Some spectators who had been regular to the games for the past several decades were upset that the Supreme Court ban had deprived them of the thrilling experience.

Though the organisers replaced bullock-cart races with horse races, the usual response from the spectators was missing.

Amrit Pal Singh of Dehlon, a regular visitor to the rural sports event, said he was taken aback when he learnt the traditional bullock-cart races would not be held this year.

“Though several rural sports festivals are held in the state, the Kila Raipur Games were the most popular due to the bullock-cart races. It’s the first time that we are returning disappointed,” he said.

Jatinder Singh of Lohgarh village, who had been visiting the stadium since the games were started, said the apex court ban was a setback for sports lovers like him.