KILA RAIPUR (LUDHIANA): The bullock cart and dogs races are all set to make a comeback in the 77th edition of Kila Raipur Games, also known as rural Olympics, beginning from January 31 here after the ban was lifted.
The ban on the bullock and dog races was imposed in 2007 following a notification issued by the Government of India under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act.
In the 2012 edition of the games, the races did not take place, much to the dismay of the village residents who claim that their only motive in participation in such races is to win and carry forward the
legacy of their forefathers who initiated these games.
It is pertinent to mention that on July 4, 2012, Punjab and Haryana High Court, in its judgement, said the Kila Raipur Games is not a cruelty on bullocks and dogs, as their masters treated them well. After the decision, a time trial event was carried out in Kila Raipur on July 28, following which the ban on races was lifted.
The first formal meeting on the games is scheduled to take place on January 24 in Ludhiana.
Sports Association secretary Paramjit Singh Grewal confirmed that the Bullock Cart Association would participate in games this year. "We are ready with our bullocks to participate in the games," said Jasbir
Singh Bittu, president of the Bullock Cart Association.
Grewal also informed that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Cabinet Minister Adesh Partap Singh are expected to be guests of honour on inaugural and concluding days of the games and Union Minister Manish Tewari will be guest of honour on the third day. The games would conclude on February 3.
Grewal said Rs 35 lakh would be given to position holders.
