Tug of Pride: Six Arunachal Athletes Pull Their Way Into India’s World Championship Squad

In a momentous stride for sports in the Northeast, six athletes from Arunachal Pradesh have earned their place in the Indian contingent for the upcoming World Outdoor Tug of War Championships. Scheduled to be held in Nottingham, England from September 4 to 7, 2025, the event will see India field a robust team selected through rigorous trials held in Kohima, Nagaland. This marks a significant milestone for Arunachal’s sporting community, spotlighting the state’s growing presence in disciplines beyond mainstream athletics.

Key highlights from the selection

- The selection trials took place on June 11 and 12 in Kohima, Nagaland, drawing participants from across the country.
- Twelve athletes from Arunachal Pradesh were shortlisted for the trials, with six ultimately making the final cut for the national team.
- The selected athletes include a mix of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, reflecting the state’s deepening talent pool in tug of war.

Meet the selected athletes

1. Dare Kagung  
2. Likha Berlin  
3. Lindum Tama  
4. Tam Doro  
5. Tai John  
6. Tadar Tamey  

These athletes will represent India in the men’s category, showcasing strength, coordination, and resilience honed through years of local and regional competition. Their inclusion is a testament to the growing infrastructure and support for tug of war in Arunachal Pradesh, often overshadowed by more prominent sports.

Training and preparation

- The Tug of War Federation of India has announced extended training camps to prepare the team for international standards.
- Coaches are focusing on endurance, grip strength, and synchronized technique, which are critical for success in global competitions.
- The selected athletes will undergo a final round of conditioning and strategy sessions before departing for England.

Why this matters for Arunachal

- Tug of war, once considered a recreational pastime, is gaining traction in the Northeast as a competitive sport.
- The success of these athletes is expected to inspire more youth from remote districts to pursue sports professionally.
- Local sports bodies and schools have begun integrating tug of war into their physical education programs, recognizing its potential for team-building and fitness.

India’s broader ambitions

- The Tug of War Federation of India, recognized by the Indian Olympic Association, is pushing for greater visibility and inclusion of the sport at national and international levels.
- With consistent performances and increased participation, India hopes to revive tug of war’s legacy, which once featured in the Olympic Games between 1900 and 1920.
- The federation is also lobbying for tug of war’s inclusion in future multi-sport events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

Voices from the ground

- Coaches and mentors from Arunachal have expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements, noting the challenges of training in hilly terrain and limited access to facilities.
- Families and local communities have rallied behind the players, organizing send-off events and offering moral support.
- The state government has acknowledged the achievement and is considering additional funding for grassroots sports development.

Looking ahead

- The World Championships in Nottingham will feature teams from over 30 countries, making it one of the most competitive editions to date.
- India’s team, bolstered by the inclusion of Arunachal’s finest, aims to make a strong impression and bring home medals.
- Post-event, the athletes are expected to engage in outreach programs across Arunachal to promote the sport and mentor upcoming talent.

Sources: The Arunachal Times, Tug of War Federation of India, Sportstar (The Hindu)