NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JAN 10
With rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday has released fresh guidelines for the Jallikattu events, traditional bull-taming sport.
Accordingly, only 300 bull tamers and 150 spectators will be permitted ahead of the Pongal festival in mid-January. The state government also made negative COVID results mandatory for all, stating that players must be tested two days in advance. People have been urged to watch the event on television instead and avoid public gatherings.
Last month, about 80 medical doctors had appealed to Chief Minister M K Stalin and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian not to give its nod to the conduct of the popular bull-taming sport this time due to COVID-19 risk and Omicron variant concerns.
“We urge the Tamil Nadu government to refuse to grant permission for Jallikattu events in the State in 2022,” a release said.
