Nagaland hosts first-ever national tug of war team trials for world championship
The two-day selection trial is being jointly organised by the Tug of War Federation of India and the Nagaland Tug of War Association.
- KOHIMA — For the
first time in Nagaland, the Indian team selection trial for the World Tug of
War Championship—scheduled to be held in Nottingham, England from September 4
to 7—kicked off on Wednesday at the 13 Assam Rifles Kohima Battalion ground.
- The two-day selection trial is being jointly organised by
the Tug of War Federation of India (TWFI) and the Nagaland Tug of War
Association (NTWA). The trials are being conducted for the senior men’s,
women’s, and mixed (4+4) categories.
Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, Hari Shankar, and officials along
with the 13 Assam Rifles and Nagaland teams before the demonstration match.
- According to the organisers, a total of 34 participants—17
from Nagaland (13 men and 4 women) and 17 from other states including Arunachal
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Pondicherry—are taking part in the trials.
- Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, who graced the event, highlighted
that tug of war is one of the oldest known games, symbolising both unity and
strength. He expressed confidence that with proper training and coaching, the
athletes will go on to represent India with distinction. He further hoped that
the event would pave the way for local players to grow and that the sport would
foster camaraderie among participants.
- Colonel Tarun Rana, president of NTWA, emphasised that tug
of war is not merely a game but a strategic sport requiring teamwork and
discipline. He expressed optimism that the final selected team will represent
the country with integrity and true sportsmanship at the world event.
