(Left to right) L Temjenmeren Jamir, Treasurer of NTWA, Dr Er Vekho Swüro, NTWA President and President of WCYO Wekupe Therie during the press conference at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on November 29. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News74
Dimapur | November 29
The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) in collaboration with the Nagaland Tug of War Association (NTWA) will be organising the first ethnic tug of war competition (Nagaland Open) come January 30, 2024 at Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) stadium. This was announced during a press conference at Hotel Saramati on November 29.
The competition will be held on the theme, ‘Oneness on the rope, for Peace’ and will be open for all communities living in Nagaland State.
According to NTWA President, Dr Er Vekho Swüro, the event is being held in realization of the need to promote the sport further after Nagaland won the silver medal in the recently concluded 36th Senior Men & Mixed and 18 Senior Federation Cup National Tug of War Championship 2023 at Tawang Arunachal Pradesh. “We had a lack of technique and proper coaching but with our strength we could get the silver,” he reported.
Further adding, “From there we found that if we put in more effort our people will be able to compete in the international level.”
He viewed that Nagas are endowed with natural strength which can be an invaluable asset for India if channeled in the right direction.
President of WCYO Wekupe Therie, meanwhile highlighted that 36 teams are expected to participate in the competition comprising of 19 Naga and 14 non-Naga communities along with one team each from Assam Rifles, CRPF and BSF.
“We found that the International Tug of War Federation was founded in 1960 and has more than 70 members which India is also a part of,” he said.
The sport was included in the first world games in 1981. It has both world and regional championships at indoor and outdoor levels.
Each team will comprise of 8 players with two in reserve. The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 5000 per team. A cash prize of Rs 1, 00, 000 lakh will be awarded to the winners.
During the event, artists such as Slingshot Nimok Power and Moko Koza are expected to perform.
In addition, on the day of the competition, entry fee for audiences will be Rs 50 for gallery sitting and Rs 1000 for patrons.
