CM Stalin Announces Job Priority for Top Jallikattu Tamers, Rs 2-Crore Veterinary Centre at Alanganallur

Chennai, Jan 2026 : Leading the world-famous Alanganallur Jallikattu celebrations on Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced two significant initiatives aimed at strengthening the traditional sport and ensuring long-term support for its practitioners and native bull breeds.

Addressing a large gathering at Alanganallur, the Chief Minister declared that outstanding Jallikattu sportspersons who successfully tame the highest number of bulls will be given priority for government employment in the livestock and allied sectors. In another major announcement, he said a state-of-the-art veterinary treatment and training centre for Jallikattu bulls would be established at Alanganallur at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.

The announcements were made during the flagship Jallikattu event at Alanganallur, the centrepiece of the Pongal festival celebrations and one of the most globally recognised traditional sporting events of Tamil Nadu.

Chief Minister Stalin arrived in Madurai from Chennai and was received by Minister Murthy and District Collector Praveen Kumar. From there, he proceeded to the specially arranged festival stage near the Vadivasal, the iconic entry point for bulls, from where he closely observed the competition and interacted with organisers and officials.

The annual Jallikattu season commenced on Pongal day, January 15, with the first major event held at Avaniyapuram, followed by another high-profile contest at Palamedu on Friday. Both venues witnessed intense participation, with seasoned bulls and skilled tamers displaying exceptional courage, stamina and technique. Winners and bull owners at these events were awarded valuable prizes, including cars and tractors, underscoring the cultural and social importance of the sport.

At Alanganallur, Chief Minister Stalin honoured the victorious bull tamers and bull owners by presenting them with gold rings, drawing applause from the gathered spectators.

In his address, the Chief Minister extended warm Pongal and Tamil New Year greetings to the people and described Madurai as a historic land of valour and tradition. He said the globally celebrated Alanganallur Jallikattu is a symbol of Tamil pride and reflects the indomitable spirit, bravery and cultural identity of the Tamil people.

Referring to the Dravidian model of governance, Stalin highlighted landmark initiatives such as the Kalaignar Centenary Library and the Kalaignar Centenary Climbing Stadium, noting that they reflect the government’s commitment to promoting knowledge, youth development and the preservation of Tamil heritage. He added that these initiatives go hand in hand with efforts to protect and nurture traditional sports like Jallikattu.

Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister said the newly announced job priority for top performers and the veterinary training centre would motivate sportspersons, ensure scientific care for native bull breeds, and strengthen the future of Jallikattu. Emphasising unity and progress, he said the government would continue to work to ensure that Tamil traditions flourish alongside welfare and development, adding, “Together, all Tamils can and will succeed.”

Team Maverick.