400 Bulls, 300 Tamers Participate In The First Jallikattu Of Season In Salem District

Salem: Featuring 400 bulls and 300 tamers, Salem's first jallikattu held at Koolamedu near Attur on Friday was packed with action that the audience was eagerly waiting for a while.
The bull sports started with tourism minister R Rajendran flagging off the event. A large crowd from Attur, Salem, Vazhapadi and nearby areas had gathered to witness the jallikattu, which featured bulls from districts such as Trichy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Namakkal, Karur and Madurai.
Bulls from local villages such as Koolamedu, Ulipuram, Thammampatti, Nilavarapatti, Attur and Vazhapadi also participated in the event.
The sports began with the release of two temple bulls into the arena, followed by others in sequence. At least 38 people sustained injuries in the event.
Earlier, the bulls were examined by veterinarians. Tamers also took an oath administered by the district collector. A medical team with a few 108 ambulances were stationed at the venue to attend to the injured people.
People who successfully tamed the bulls took home cell phones, bicycles and chairs as prizes.
District collector R Brindha Devi and officials with the Animal Husbandry and Health departments were present. District superintendent of police Gautam Goyal had arranged heavy police security to ensure smooth conduct of the event.