Madurai (PTI): Honouring organisers of 'jallikattu', famous bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu, for the smooth conduct of the event as per the conditions laid down by the Supreme Court was among the highlights of the Republic Day celebrations in the district on Saturday.

District Collector S S Jawahar presented shields to the "Jallikattu" organisers, who held the event at Palamedu and Alanganallur during the recent "Pongal" festival.

Sholavandan MLA Murthy, Tamizhaga Veeravilayattu Kuzhu (bravery sport council) Chairman Rajasekhar and Madurai Rural Superintendent of Police T.S.Anbu were those honoured.

Jallikattu, an age-old Tamil sport, was in national focus after the Supreme Court refused to vacate a stay on the sport, but later allowed it with a series of conditions, including steps to ensure the safety of the animals and spectators.

The initial apex court order sparked protests from people of the region who wanted the state government to ensure that jallikattu was held as usual.