First-ever jallikattu held in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, January 28

The city’s first-ever official 'jallikattu' (bull taming sport) was held today with over 450 competitors and 500 bulls taking part amid much fanfare and the top finisher bagging a car as prize.

Jallikattu, largely confined to the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and organised during the 'Pongal' festivities by middle of this month, was held in this western industrial city for the first time.

Four competitors suffered minor injuries in the event, which drew nearly 50,000 spectators, and were given medical treatment at the venue. The traditional sport was organised by the City Corporation, district administration and the Omkar Foundation. Karthik of nearby Mettupatti bagged a car as the first prize for taming the maximum number of bulls, while the second and third place finishers were given a motorcycle and a moped, respectively.

A bull belonging to Rajasekhar of 'Jallikkattu Peravai' was adjudged the 'best bull' of the event. Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani, who flagged off the event, distributed the prizes. Tight security arrangements had been made for the event.

The venue, just a few metres away from a national highway, was jam packed with people even standing on the road to witness the event, claimed to be the first of its kind in the area.

During the 'pooja' done for setting up the 'vadivasal' (the entrance through which the bulls are let into the playing arena) last week, Velumani had termed it a 'historic event' as it would be the first time the traditional sport was being held here. However, some old timers claimed jallikattu had once been organised here in 1979 in memory of Tamil film producer Chinnappa Thevar. — PTI