Thirty-six people were injured in a jallikattu event held at Avaniyapuram in Madurai district on Sunday amid heavy security and police cover. Over 900 bulls participated in the event. Prizes ranging from cycles, cupboards, travel bags and other items were awarded to the bull tamers.
Similarly, prizes were awarded to the owners of the bulls that managed wriggle out of the bull tamers’ hold.
The event was inaugurated by Revenue Minister R.B. Udhayakumar and District Collector Veeraraghava Rao.
Tamil Nadu on January 23 passed a law legalising jallikattu, following week-long Statewide protests.
Jallikattu is usually conducted as part of Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. However, it was not held during the festival this year due to a Supreme Court ban.
Police said all precautionary measures, including mandatory medical tests for bulls and participants as laid down by the State government, were taken before the conduct of the traditional rural sport.