No guns, just grit: National Tug of War Championship comes to Kashmir
For over three decades, Kashmiris have continuously found themselves caught in a violent territorial and political tug-of-war between India and Pakistan. But in the coming days, the picturesque Kashmir Valley is set to witness yet another prolonged tug-of-war in the South Kashmir district of Kulgam.
For a change, there will be no bloodshed, and no bullets will be fired. Yet, the passions will be raised, and the battles will be fought hard by around 1,000 athletes converging in the region from at least 18 different States across India to win the National Tug of War Championship.
The stage is already set. After the formal inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, the Athletes will take centre stage by digging their feet into the sand to defeat their rivals in the championship.
A Kulgam-based GQ Public School is hosting the National Championship. In a social media post on their official page, the School Management posted, “GQ Public School is proud to host this prestigious event and warmly welcomes all participating teams. The wait is over! Today, our campus came alive with excitement, energy, and pride as teams from different states across India arrived at GQ Public School for the National Tug of War Championship.
The National Championship was inaugurated by AICC General Secretary and MLA, Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir, in the presence of office bearers and sports enthusiasts.
Extending a warm welcome to all the participating states. Mir said it is for the first time that a National-level sports Championship is being organised here in Quimoh, Kulgam. He said it sends a very positive message outside the Kashmir valley. Speaking on the occasion, Mir highlighted the importance of ‘Unity’ and encouraged the players to send a positive message.
Mumbai-based Satish Kharatmal, currently serving as Competition Director, briefed the media in Kulgam ahead of the beginning of the 28th Sub-Junior and 39th Junior and Senior Tug of War National Championships.
He said the Championship is being organised under the aegis of the Tug of War Federation of India (TWFI) in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Tug of War Association in Kulgam. He said approximately 1,000 Athletes from 18 States across India have arrived in Kulgam to participate in the Championship.
He further said it is a traditional strength-based game, and we want to groom the talent at the ground level so that players can compete at the International level after receiving proper training. He said the local organisers have extended all possible help to successfully organise the Championship in the valley.
Organisers highlighted that hosting a national-level Tug of War championship in Quimoh, Kulgam, is a matter of pride for the district and reflects the growing sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
