Everyone’s Favourite Tug Of War

The game of tug of war originated in uncertainty as there are several stories but as to want of proof, but this sport is very popular and was in past generally practiced in Cambodia, Greece, India, ancient Egypt and China. According to a Tang dynasty book, tug of war sport was played under the name and style of "hook pulling", and around the Spring and Autumn period in around 8th century BC to 5th century BC to train the warriors. Thereafter at the time of the Tang dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang had graded up the game of tug of war at large-scale, using strong ropes which measures up to 167 metres (548 ft) along with some shorter ropes attached to it and there are around 500 people or more grabbing it on each end of the rope. Each side is also allowed to carry its own team of drummers so that the participants can be encouraged.

In ancient Greece the sport was popularly known as helkustinda which derives from dielkō, which means in English as "I pull through". In Ancient Greece, Tug of war games was among the most popular games which was primarily used for strength and also would help to train and build the strength which is needed for the battles in full armor. When the study was conducted based upon Archeological evidence, it shows that tug of war was one of the most popular game in India in the 12th century. Whereas there is no specific time and place in the history which can justify that the origin of Tug of War. The contest of pulling on the rope i.e, Tug of War, originates from the ancient ceremonies and rituals. Evidences are found in the countries like Egypt, Myanmar, India, New Guinea, etc. The origin of this game in India had strong evidences in the shape of archaeological roots which goes back at least to the 12th century AD in the area located in the State of Orissa, today, based on the east coast. The famous Sun Temple of Konark also comprises of a stone relief on its west wing which clearly shows the game of Tug of War in progress.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://www.nitowa.com/page-203-history-of-tug-of-war.html