Dimapur, 30 January (MTNews): The first Inter-Ethnic Community Tug of War Championship and Ethnic Food Festival, was organized by the Western Chakhesang Youth Organization, in collaboration with the Nagaland Tug of War Association at Dimapur District State Stadium today. Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger, presided over the event as the ‘chief whistle’.
Commending the organizers, Yimchunger urged them to seek affiliation with the Nagaland Olympics Association, emphasizing the importance of such events in preserving cultural heritage.
Inaugurating the championship, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Major General Vikas Lakhera said, tug of war as a sport requiring minimal resources yet enjoying widespread popularity across the nation. He motivated the participating players to dedicate themselves to the game and urged them to compete with a strong team spirit.
Chakhesang Team emerged the winner of the first Inter-Ethnic Community Tug of War Championship, followed by the Zeliang team. The champions received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and the runners-up bagged Rs 30,000.
A total of 16 teams from diverse communities participated in the championship. Themed as ‘Oneness on the rope for peace”, the event marked a celebration of both traditional sportsmanship and the rich diversity of ethnic cuisines, creating a memorable blend of competition and cultural exchange.