Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A debate erupted in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the controversial traditional sport of Dhirio (bullfighting), as several MLAs urged the state government to regularise the practice, terming it a part of Goan heritage.
However, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant reiterated that Dhirio remains banned under a 1996 Bombay High Court order, and any move to revive it must follow legal procedures.
Raising a Calling Attention Motion, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar called for Dhirio to be recognised and regularised as a traditional Goan sport, saying, “This is part of our culture and needs protection.”
Arolkar’s call found support from multiple MLAs across parties, sparking rare bipartisan unity on the floor.
CM Sawant, while acknowledging the cultural sentiment, responded firmly: “Dhirio is still banned. The matter is currently sub judice. Between 2022 and June 2025, 16 cases were registered under Section 11(1)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for organising Dhirios. We are complying with the High Court’s directives and have submitted an action plan to curb the practice.”
The CM added that though comparisons were often made with Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, the two were legally distinct.
“Jallikattu is not a fight between two animals,” he said, adding that the government would explore legal options in consultation with the Animal Husbandry Department.
MLA Viresh Borkar backed Arolkar, stating that legalising Dhirio would “revive a traditional sport and boost tourism.” He said Dhirio has economic potential that should be tapped responsibly.
Joining the chorus, MLA Venzy Viegas urged the House to go a step further — not just legalise Dhirio but declare it an official sport, build a stadium, and leverage it as a revenue-generating attraction for the state.
MLA Carlos Ferreira, too, voiced his support, describing Dhirio as “a symbol of community bonding and heritage.” He called for a legislative amendment to legalise the practice under regulated conditions.
Despite the groundswell of support, CM Sawant maintained that legal hurdles remain, and any decision must align with the High Court’s ongoing directives. “We’re looking into it, but we have to follow the law,” he said.
