Kila Raipur Games organisers hail Centre’s nod to bull races
Saturday, 09/01/2016
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LUDHIANA: The Centre’s decision to allow bull races has been welcomed by organisers of the Kila Raipur Games, popularly known as the ‘Rural Olympics’.
The stage is set for resumption of bullock-cart race in ‘Rural Olympics’, to be held next month.
With the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change issuing a notification in this regard, the stage is set for the resumption of the bullock-cart race in this year’s edition of the games.
Last year, the Supreme Court had banned bull races, citing cruelty to animals.
The notification states that bulls may be exhibited or trained as a performing animal at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock-cart races in Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat as per the customs of any community or practised traditionally as part of its culture.
Balwinder Singh Jagga, secretary of the Grewal Sports Club, said, “The traditional bullock-cart race is very popular in Kila Raipur. We are excited about bringing the sport back in the 80th edition of the games, scheduled to be held from February 4 to 7.”
Talking to HT, Animal Welfare Board of India vicechairman Chinny Krishna, who is based in Tamil Naidu, said, “The notification goes against the judgment of the apex court.”
Jagdev Singh of Asi Kalan village, a bullock-cart race enthusiast, said, “This rural sport has been part of our tradition for decades. We ensure that animals are no subjected to cruelty during the games. We thank the Centre for allowing the sport to be restarted.”
Rajat Aggarwal, deputy commissioner, Ludhiana, said, “I am yet to get a copy of the notification. We will implement it as and when received.”
