Team Nagaland with NTWA president Dr. Er. Vekho Swuro and Chakhesang Baptist Church Pastor Ngutsolo Therie before leaving for Guwahati.
Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): Eight women athletes from Nagaland, accompanied by two officials, left for Shirdi, Maharashtra on Thursday to participate in the 38th National Tug of War Championship (Senior Women & Mixed 4+4), scheduled from August 22 to 25.
According to team manager Kuzhovesa Soho, the women athletes are Vikehenuo Zumvu (captain), Vekhonielu Curhah, Haizuyile, Thejanienuo Thevo, Sezolu Luruo, Medongunuo Thevo, Neivi Metha and Keneithonuo Sanchu. The contingent is led by Soho and team coach Vemele Thingo.
The Nagaland Tug of War Association (NTWA), which began functioning in mid-2023, first participated in the National Tug of War Championship in September 2023 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, where it won a silver medal in the mixed category. In February 2025, the team also secured silver in the under catch weight category at Palghar, Maharashtra.
This is the first time the Nagaland women’s team is competing in the championship. The NTWA has appealed to all sports lovers to uphold the team in prayer, expressing hopes that the players will return with medals.
The NTWA also announced that eight men athletes from Nagaland will participate in the World Outdoor Tug of War Championship, scheduled from September 4 to 7 in Nottingham, England, under the aegis of the Tug of War Federation of India (TWFI).
A short send-off ceremony was held for the women’s team at Toulazouma. NTWA president Dr. Er. Vekho Swuro conveyed best wishes, urging the athletes to “strongly uphold the sports spirit with humility and enthusiasm.” He said he was hopeful the team would return “with beautiful medals and glorify God’s faithfulness.”
Swuro expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for fully sponsoring the team, stating that under Rio’s leadership, “youths from Nagaland are progressing well and moving to a level of excellence.”
He also thanked 13th Assam Rifles Kohima Commandant Col. Tarun Rana for providing consistent logistical support since June 2025, including training grounds and other facilities. “He is also part of the Association,” Swuro remarked, adding that the NTWA prayed for blessings upon Rana and his officers.
During the ceremony, Pastor Ngutsolo Therie of the Chakhesang Baptist Church, Toulazouma, read from the Bible and prayed for the team’s success.
The team is scheduled to return to Dimapur on August 27 morning.
