Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin flags off the Jallikattu event in Madurai

The stadium is named after former CM and late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi.

"The Jallikattu arena, a traditional sport of Tamils, has been built by the DMK government in Madurai. The opening of this Jallikattu arena during the Karunanidhi centenary is an extra special feature. I am proud to have my name in history as Stalin who built the Jallikattu stadium." said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Earlier, Madurai district collector Sangeetha and corporation commissioner held AN inspection in newly constructed Kalaigar Centenary Jallikattu arena.

"We have made all arrangements for the conduct of Jallikattu. There has been barricading put in to ensure that bulls play in the play arena and that spectators are also protected. 500 bulls and 300 bull tamers will be participating and 2,000 police person deployed for security," the collector said.

A press note by the state government said, "TN Chief Minister MK Stalin is going to inaugurate the newly constructed Jallikattu arena in Keelakarai, Madurai District, on January 24, 2024. On that day, the Jallikattu competition will be conducted following the guidelines issued by the government in the newly constructed arena."

The press note further said that the bull tamers and bull owners of bulls who wish to participate in Jallikattu should update their names by January 19, 2024, through the madurai.nic.in website.

"Bull tamers registering on the website should register with their fitness certificate. The bull owner and only one person along with the bull will be allowed to participate in Jallikattu competition. The token can be issued to the bull tamers only after verifying their certificate," it added.

Jallikattu is an age-old event celebrated mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. In the sport, a bull is released into a crowd of people and participants in the event try to grab the large hump on the bull's back, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. (ANI)