The first-ever jallikattu held at AET School grounds at Pavalathampalayam here was largely incident-free as 122 tamers attempted to tame 192 bulls amid presence of 40,000 spectators here on Saturday.
Minister for School Education, Youth and Sports Development, K.A. Sengottaiyan, Minister for Animal Husbandry Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan and Minister for Environment K.C. Karuppannan inaugurated the sport in the presence of Collector C. Kathiravan, Superintendent of Police S. Sakthi Ganesan, MPs and MLAs, that began with temple bulls being released through the Vaadivaasal.
Of the 194 bulls registered, two were rejected by the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department, while of the 124 tamers registered, two were rejected by the doctors. Organised by Erode Jallikattu Peravai, tamers entered the arena in batches and attempted to tame the bulls amid much applause from the spectators. There were many incidents when the bulls after crossing the taming area again returned to the area and involved in clash with other bulls. Tamers and owners whose bulls were not tamed were given prizes ranging from gold coins, mobile phones and gift items. Six tamers suffered minor injuries and they were treated at the venue.
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Earlier, security arrangements were reviewed by S.K. Mittal, convener, Animal Welfare Board of India.
As many as 600 police personnel were posted for bandobust to regulate the crowd and vehicle parking.
In Namakkal district, 382 bulls and 239 tamers took part in the jallikattu held at Pottireddipatti village at Erumapatti Panchayat Union on Saturday.
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Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, P. Thangamani, Minister for Social Welfare and Nutritious Noon Meal Programme V. Saroja inaugurated the sport in the presence of Collector M. Asia Mariam, Superintendent of Police Ara. Arularasu, MLAs and others.