National Tug of War Championship organized by the Tug of War Federation of Sri Lanka (TWFSL) will be held at Kumme Public grounds in Baddegama on the 11th of December. The first match up will commence at 10.00 am with weighing of competitors starting at 07.00am onwards.

The contest of pulling ropes has its roots from ancient ceremonies and rituals from around the world. While in some instances it has alternatives such as wooden stakes or entwined arms of opponents are found, the basic concept of having to out muscle your opponent by pulling them past a decided mark is a common factor. A game that is a pure contest of physical strength was part of the ancient Olympic Games while it also featured in the modern Olympics from 1900 to 1920 but was unfortunately omitted from the games in 1920. Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) received formal recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2002.

As in the rest of the world, Tug of war has been part and parcel of the local culture for hundreds of years and has been a keenly contested event at the Sinhala and Tamil New year celebrations. In the year 2004, Tug of war as an organized sport was introduced to the country and the governing body for the sport TWFSL was formed in 2005. Now a part of the National sports festival Tug of war has been largely popular amongst the armed forces while a few civilian clubs scattered around the country have also made inroads in the sport.

This year eight teams will battle for honors in the women’s category, while the men’s category will have 12 teams. Women’s teams are required to be under 540Kg and the Men 640 Kg. Sri Lanka Air Force are the reigning champions having won the 13th Nationals and will be a team to watch out for  while Sri Lanka Army who have been a dominant force in the sport will be a tough challenger for the Airmen who are looking well set to defend their title having won the final against army in the recently concluded Susitha Sports club day night championship.

Women’s (Under 540Kg) teams

· Sri Lanka Air force
· Civil Service Department
· Sri Lanka Army
· Sri Lanka Navy
· Galle District
· Arunalu Sports club

Men’s (Under 640Kg) teams

· Sri Lanka Air force
· Lions Club, Katubedda
· Susitha sports club, Ganemulla
· Sri Lanka Navy
· Dumbell sports club, Pugoda
· Sri Lanka Army
· Civil Service Department
· Galle district
· Sri Lanka Police
· Udugampola United