Madurai Jallikattu Events to Feature Digital Scoreboards for First Time
Madurai district administration will implement a scoreboard system in jallikattu events this year. This marks a first for the traditional bull-taming sport in the region. The move aims to enhance transparency and fairness during the competitions.
LED Scoreboards to Display Bull and Tamer Details
District collector K J Praveen Kumar announced the plan to install LED scoreboards at venues in Avaniyapuram, Palamedu, and Alanganallur. The scoreboards will measure eight feet by eight feet. They will show detailed information about each round.
The display will include the best-performing bull's name, the owner's name, and a token number. It will also show the minutes of play. For bull tamers, the scoreboard will list the tamer's name, token number, and the number of bulls caught.
A team of tahsildar and revenue inspectors will record scores for every round. They will note the performance of both the bull and the tamer. This system starts from the current year onwards.
Longstanding Demand for Transparency in Jallikattu
Mudakathan Mani, founder of a jallikattu player training centre in Madurai, expressed strong support for the scoreboards. He said they have been urging the government to implement this since 2017.
"Jallikattu can only be played by a Tamilian," Mani stated. "It is a game played with utter disregard for one's life, where blood is shed instead of sweat. There should be transparency in this game, and a scoreboard will ensure it."
He highlighted issues like impersonation and forgery in prize claims. Mani believes government officials scoring the events will help reduce nepotism. He thanked commercial taxes minister P Moorthy, MP Su Venkatesan, and the district collector for accepting the demand.
P Rajasekar, president of Jallikattu Peravai, added that microphone announcements will go digital. This change complements the new scoreboard system.
Enhanced Security Measures for Jallikattu Events
Security has been significantly increased for the jallikattu events. Around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in Avaniyapuram. This area falls under Madurai city police limits.
Intensive vehicle checks will occur at police checkpoints. The checks are due to visits by the chief minister and deputy chief minister. Thousands of people from surrounding villages are expected to gather. The crowd includes the general public and those bringing jallikattu bulls.
To prevent traffic congestion, city police have made extensive traffic changes. These changes start from 10 PM on Wednesday.
District superintendent of police B K Arvind confirmed similar arrangements for Palamedu and Alanganallur. About 2,000 police personnel from the district police are deployed there.
CCTV cameras now cover areas from collection points to assembly points. Authorities will use three drones for surveillance. Barricading has also been improved to ensure safety.
