Elephant racing

Elephant racing, though unusual as a sporting event, is held in many parts of the world but mostly in Asia. The earliest known such racing event as a tradition is reported from Vietnam. In the 20th century this became a major event (though it generated protests) in Germany in 1920, and an organized International Elephant Race in Nepal from tourism interests in 1982.

In Vietnam

Buon Don Elephant Races are held as a traditional event in the scenic landscape of the Central Highlands of the Buon Don district of Vietnam, which is well known for its elephant trainers. The skills of elephant trainers are used to perpetuate the heritage of holding elephant races every year during the third lunar month (generally in March) of the year. The exact venue of this race is in the forest area of the Sevepoi River. The race course is a mile long track wide enough to accommodate nine participating elephants. The participation of elephants in the races are drawn from many villages and is each village cheers for its elephants in a row. Two mahuts or jockeys ride on each elephant - one to steer it and another to goad it to race fast. A Musical instrument made of horns of the elephants is blown first to assemble the elephants at the starting gate, then another sound is blown to signal the elephants to take the starting line and be set for the race, and with the third blow of the horn the race is signaled. The elephants generally race at a speed of 25 mph with the public cheering for their favourite elephants. The first elephant crossing the winning post is given a wreath as an award, and also fed with fruits (bananas) and sugar cane. After the event, the elephants make merry by taking a swim in the river.

In Germany

In the year 2000, at the initiative of Ashok Gujjala, an Indian born Mayor of Altlandsbeg town, near Berlin organized an elephant race at Hppergarton, which was very successful as more than 40,000 people witnessed the race. It also turned into controversial issue. In India only two states hold this race. The environmental and religious lobbies objected to this racing. It is protected species in India objection was that the pachyderm is a protected species in India. The second is the religious imporatnce of the animal as it represents the elephant headed God Ganesha. Members of the Animal Peace group's protest was supported by leading personalities like Maneka Gandhi, the then Minister for Social Affairs in India, Nina Hagen, the German rock singer, and [[Brigette Bardott, the French Film actress.

In the race held in Germany, 14 circus elephants (equal numbers from Asia and Africa) and the race card consisted of six race events. The contention of the sponsors was that the elephants enjoyed the racing event. At the end of the race elephants were fed with fruits and vegetables.

In Nepal

In Nepal the race started as an International Elephant Race, in December 2005. The Tharu people of Nepal who are professional tamers of wild elephants ride the race elephants. A particular feature of this race is that riders of racing elephants are chosen by lottery and not by choice and this makes the riding difficult for the jockeyes who train on their favourite particular elephants. The winning elephant is awarded a trophy. The racing track is of 900 ft length. Heats or elimination rounds, with six elephants in each heat, are involved before the final race is held. A video film documented by Reuters has recorded that the elephants move fast on the chosen straight route, which is flanked by spectators. The Chitwan reserve, which has 30 elephants, is a venue for such races, and also for elephant polo and pagents, which are also part of this tourist oriented race. Champakali is the name of the race elephant which won the race in succssive years. On this occasion a soccer match between baby elephants is also an attraction.