The Chakhesang team against the Zeliang team in the final round of the first Inter-ethnic community tug of war championship on January 30 at DDSC stadium Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 30
The first inter-ethnic community tug of war championship was held at DDSC stadium Dimapur on January 30 based on the theme, “Oneness on the rope for peace.”
Organised by the Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation in collaboration with the Nagaland Tug of War Association (NToWA), the event was graced by chief whistle, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor of Youth Resource and Sports, and guest of honour, Major General VikasLakhera, IGAR (North) Kohima.
Speaking on the occasion, Yimkhiung mentioned that the sport has been played since time immoral. In the modern century, tug of war is regarded as a professional sport with wide spread appeal across all communities. He urged the participants and the organizers to continue to uphold and propel the game forward. He also appealed to the Nagaland Tug of War Association to get itself affiliated with the Nagaland Olympic Association soon.
Maj General Lakhera noted that it was heartening to witness the participation of different communities coming together for this event. He noted that tug of war is a simple, yet popular game that can be played anywhere and everywhere across the world, be it professionally or as a simple village sport. He also complemented the organisers for taking the initiative to introduce tug of war as an active sport.
All together a total of 15 teams participated in the competition, who were divided into Pool A, B and C categories. The format of the matches were played in ‘freestyle’ with single-elimination or knockout in the initial rounds and the semi-finals and final featuring best of three match ups.
In the first round, the Assam Rifles, Kachari and Lotha teams did not participate resulting in a walkover for their opponents namely, the Muslim, Chakhesang and Angami teams respectively.
In the quarter-finals, Zeliang team won their match against the 78 CRPF team with an exhilarating two-set wins, while the Chakhesang team easily won theirs against the Muslim team and the Angami team beating the Konyak team.
In semi-finals, the Zeliang team beat the Angami team whereas the Chakhesang team went straight to the final round based on higher points.
The Chakhesang team emerged as the overall champions in the final match played between them and the Zeliang team and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for their effort.
Earlier the welcome address was delivered by Dr Er Vekho Swüro, President of NToWA while Rev P Bonny Resü, lead pastor of CBCD made the invocation.
