Bullock cart race organisers upbeat

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Feb 17

Decks have almost been cleared for organising bullock cart races in Punjab, the soul of rural sports fairs, which had been banned following a Supreme Court verdict five years ago.

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, paved the way for the revival of this event by giving nod to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2019 in the ensuing budget session of Vidhan Sabha for enactment.

Owners of bullocks and organisers of rural sports now see a ray of hope. Like many other rural sports organisations, the Grewal Sports Club, Patti Suhavia, has announced that it would reschedule its sports calendar so as to enable spectators to enjoy the bullock cart races at “Rural Olympics” in Kila Raipur.

Office-bearers and activists of the outfits fighting for the resumption of the event, led by Guru Har Gobind, chairman of Baill Daurak and Welfare Society, Kila Raipur, said efforts made by sports lovers, led by Gurbachan Singh Garry, an NRI from Phallewal, had borne fruit. The development would help to restore bullock cart races and other animal games at Kila Raipur and at other rural sports fairs in the region.

President Jasbir Singh Bittu and secretary Balwinder Singh Grewal said bullock breeders and owners had been demanding restoration of bullock cart races at all rural sportssince the event was banned by the apex court five years ago.

After the TN Government’s ordinance regarding Jallikattu two years ago, members of various sports organisations, including the Grewal Sports Club, had started preparations for the event.