Players from the ongoing 14th FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup in Madurai traded their sports gear for traditional attire on a memorable day off. More than 240 international hockey players immersed themselves in the local culture by witnessing the ancient and thrilling sport of Jallikattu in Alanganallur.
A Traditional Welcome and Cultural Curiosity
Dressed in crisp cotton shirts and veshtis with golden zari borders, the athletes formed a group of over 500 people heading to the event. The excitement was palpable from the start. Ahmed, a player from Oman, enthusiastically waved at the Kangeyam bull mascot at the entrance, expressing his anticipation despite not knowing exactly what awaited him. The players from South Korea were captivated by the prehistoric artworks on display, frequently stopping to photograph them, even as they navigated the new experience of keeping their veshtis securely tied.
From the Arena to the Vaadivasal
For many, the traditional dress was not entirely unfamiliar. Oman's head coach, Mohammed Hoobais, noted the similarity to their national attire, adding that his players had little trouble and even tied the veshtis themselves. Meanwhile, players like Liam, Abraham, and Zach from Namibia eagerly discussed how the event would unfold, having been briefed with videos beforehand. The atmosphere shifted as whistles blew and music swelled. The crowd's energy peaked when the first bull of the day charged out of the vaadivasal (the entry gate). Mobile phones shot into the air to capture the moment as approximately 50 bull tamers surged forward to test their skill and courage.
Embracing the Local Spirit
The international visitors quickly picked up the rhythm of the arena. In less than ten minutes, they were cheering along with the local crowd, shouting "cycle, cycle" to celebrate each successful attempt by the tamers. The morning provided a powerful contrast to their routine of hockey matches and training, offering a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's rural heritage. By the event's conclusion, it was clear this cultural excursion had become one of the most memorable highlights of their trip to India, perfectly blending the world of international sport with an ancient local tradition.
