Ludhiana: Rain couldn’t stop them and a 10-year hiatus couldn’t break them. The famous bullock carts of Kila Raipur are back on the track this weekend after a weather-induced delay. Organisers have confirmed that these iconic races — the historic heart of the “Rural Olympics” — will resume with all the thundering of hooves during the 86th edition of the games, scheduled to run from Feb 17 to 19. The event, which was originally slated for late Jan, was postponed due to heavy rains that affected the turf. With the grounds now rolled and prepared, officials are bracing for a massive resurgence in spectator numbers.
Strict Veterinary OversightIn compliance with modern animal welfare norms, the Kila Raipur Sports Society has implemented a rigorous medical protocol. Gurinder Singh Grewal of the society confirmed that no bull will be allowed to compete without a health certificate issued by a registered Veterinary Officer within 72 hours of the race. A committee formed by Ludhiana deputy commissioner will enforce all regulations.The safety measures include entry screening, continuous monitoring, emergency response, and short sprints. Veterinary doctors will inspect animals as they disembark from vehicles to ensure they are fit for the track. Doctors will be stationed at both the start and finish lines to examine bulls between rounds. A dedicated veterinary ambulance and a first-aid team will be on-site for any animal injuries. Each race is expected to last between 18 and 20 seconds to minimise animal exertion.In addition to the veterinary teams, a dedicated first-aid desk led by an Assistant Civil Surgeon will be on-site to handle any human injuries during the three-day event. Water tankers, portable toilets, and food counters for athletes and visitors have also been arranged.High Stakes and Heavy CompetitionOrganisers expect between 80 and 100 bullock carts to arrive from across Punjab and neighbouring Haryana. The competition will be fierce, with significant prize money on the line. The first prize is Rs 2 lakh and the second Rs 1.5 lakh. Eight prizes will be awarded in the bullock cart category. Four carts will compete simultaneously in each heat, overseen by a massive logistics team of 150 judges, linesmen, and volunteers. Punjab minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian will inaugurate the event, with chief minister Bhagwant Mann expected on final day.A Village ReawakensFor the residents of Kila Raipur, the resumption of the races marks the return of the festival’s true spirit. “Before the races were stopped in 2014, the rush was so huge that people would climb eucalyptus trees just to get a view of the stadium,” said Gurdeep Singh, 50, a local villager. “Since then, that energy has been missing. We are sure the crowds will return now.” Beyond the racing, the games will feature kabaddi, hockey, athletics, and cycling, with organisers emphasizing that prize money will be equal for both male and female competitors.
