The inaugural Inter-Ethnic Community Tug of War Championship and Ethnic Food Festival, organized by the Western Chakesang Youth Organization in collaboration with the Nagaland Tug of War Association, commenced at Dimapur District State Stadium today. S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, presided over the event as the chief guest, lauding the organizers and encouraging them to seek affiliation with the Nagaland Olympics Association. He emphasized the significance of such events in preserving cultural heritage.
Major General Vikas Lakhera, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), inaugurated the championship, praising 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 compete with a strong team spirit.
The Chakhesang Team emerged victorious in the inaugural Inter-Ethnic Community Tug of War Championship, with the Zeliang team securing the runner-up position. The champions received a cash prize of one lakh rupees, while the runners-up bagged 30,000 rupees. A total of 16 teams from diverse communities actively participated in the championship.
Themed as “Oneness on the Rope for Peace,” the event celebrated traditional sportsmanship and the rich diversity of ethnic cuisines, fostering a memorable blend of competition and cultural exchange.