Youth killed while taming bull at jallikattu in Kovai

Police identified the deceased as Subash Chandra Bose (26) from Virallimalai area in Pudukottai district. At least 12 persons, who suffered injuries while participating in the bull-taming sport, were rushed to a private hospital. Others were administered first-aid and treated by a medical teams stationed at the venue.

Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport, has been conducted for the third consecutive year in Coimbatore with the participation of around 900 bulls and more than 800 tamers.

Inaugurated by Minister for Local Administration SP Velumani, the jallikattu was witnessed by thousands of people from Coimbatore and neighbouring districts. Bulls from several districts, including Madurai, Theni, Tiruchy, Pudukottai and Salem district participated.

Successful tamers were rewarded with car, bike, household items and cash amounts. Officials said that all tamers and bulls were subjected to medical examination by a team of veterinarians. Besides medical facilities, other basic requirements like drinking water and toilet arrangements were made by the district administration.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation, witnessed the bull-taming sport. “The pride of Tamil Nadu, jallikattu, is a fantastic expression of the natural valour and spirit of adventure of the Tamil youth. This iconic event should be developed as a wonderful sport with proper rules and attention to safety of all, including the animals,” said Sadhguru in a Twitter post.