Madurai: 48 bull tamers were injured during the ‘jallikattu‘ held at Palamedu on Wednesday. Fourteen of them were seriously injured and have been hospitalised. Out of the 602 bulls chosen to take part in the sport, 125 bulls were not allowed to participate for various reasons.
According to officials, the event was held in seven rounds and over 500 tamers took part. The event was closely monitored by officials.
A bull owned by tamer Prabhu could not be tamed by anyone and so the first prize – a car – was given to him. Prize for taming the maximum number of bulls was given to Prabhakaran and the second and third prize were given to Ajay and Kathick, respectively.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana insurance scheme has been introduced for the bull-tamers with a death cover of Rs 2 lakh each at a premium of Rs 12 each. The spectators too would be covered and could insure themselves said officials.