Tug of War Championship kicks off at Itanagar

A Correspondent

ITANAGAR: Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung along with Home Minister Bamang Felix attended the inaugural day of first ever Tug of War Championship, organized by Arunachal Tug of War Association (ATWA), at Nyokum Lapang here on Thursday.

The five day championship which was declared open today will culminate on Monday. Players from 12 districts are participating in the championship along with 14 affiliated districts.

Addressing the gathering, Natung said that the youths are the backbone of the state and country as a whole. Therefore, it's our joint responsibility to nourish and lead them to a positive direction.

He also believed that with efforts from the federation and support from the public and sports department, the youths participating in the championship will represent at state and national level in future.

Felix in his address said that the game is more of a team work than just using muscle power. He said, the most important in the game is team spirit, technique and later strength.

Speaking to the reporters, ATWA President Nilli Likha Kamin appealed to the participants to play the game adhering to the rules. Hence, ATWA under the guidance of Tug of War National federation is organizing the championship to let the participants learn the framed rules of play.

He hoped that with the championship, more youths will get involve in it.

"I also appeal to the youths to refrain from consuming drugs, rather be involved in any kind of sports and games to stay healthy. Therefore, it is also our effort to create awareness among the youths on it," he said.

Kamin, who is also an engineer by profession, informed that the game earlier was not given much importance in the state. Therefore, it was an approach by few youths to form the association for involving youths in the game, he added.

He said that there are four categories for junior boys and girls, senior men and women in the event. It is a league game and participated by 38 teams. Affiliated district representatives have been provided one day training under national federation.

Earlier, Tug of War National Federation President Hari Shankar Gupta briefed the gathering about the history of the game and its importance.

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