Team Chakhesang lift inter-ethnic community tug of war c’ship

DIMAPUR — Team Chakhesang emerged champions of the first inter-ethnic community tug of war championship after defeating Zeliang community in the final match held at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, on Tuesday.

The event was organised by the Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation in collaboration with the Nagaland Tug of War Association on the theme ‘Oneness on the rope for peace.’

Fifteen community teams including Garo, Zeliang, 78 CRPF, Mao, Sumi, Gorkha, Tikhir, Tangkhul, Muslim, Chakhesang, Meitei, Pochury, Poumai, Konyak and Angami, participated in the event.

The quarter final matches were played out between Zeliang and CRPF, Chakhesang and Muslim and Angami and Konyak.

Chakhesang community gained a direct entry to the final by virtue of having secured the highest points in the preceding rounds.

In semi-final match between Zeliang and Angami, the former emerged victorious.

In the grand final, Chakhesang defeated Zeliang to emerge champions and won cash prize of INR 1 lakh.

Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Keoshu Yimchunger, in his address, said that tug of war is a game played since forefathers’ time and over the years, it has evolved into a popular sport.

He appreciated the organisers for maintaining the legacy of the forefathers and organising the event.

Keoshu however lamented that Nagas play games just for leisure or are forced to play during competitions.

Maj. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, IGAR (North) Kohima, said that sports is a wonderful event because it signifies joy. He shared that tug of war is a game which does not require many resources.

Responding to the memorandum submitted by the organisers asking his help for construction of a house with furniture for Yungan Konyak, Lakhera assured to do his best.

It may be mentioned that 23-year-old Yungan Konyak, standing at 6’10 ft, from Longwa Wasa village under Mon district, is the tallest man of Nagaland.

Zt Slingshot and Moko Koza also performed their original songs at the event.