Nagaland women tug of war team leaves for Nat C’ship

Under the aegis of the Nagaland Tug of War Association (NTWA), a team of eight women athletes along with two officials departed on August 21 to represent Nagaland at the 38th National Tug of War Championship (Senior Women & Mixed 4+4). The championship is scheduled to be held at Shirdi, Maharashtra, from August 22 to 25.
According to a press statement issued by team manager, Kuzhovesa Soho, the eight athletes representing Nagaland are Vikehenuo Zumvu (Captain), Vekhonielu Curhah, Haizuyile, Thejanienuo Thevo, Sezolu Luruo, Medongunuo Thevo, Neivi Metha and Keneithonuo Sanchu.
The team is being led by team manager Kuzhovesa Soho and team coach Vemele Thingo.
The NTWA, which began operations in mid-2023, has already made significant strides on the national stage. The Association first participated in the National Tug of War Championship in September 2023 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, where they secured a silver medal in the mixed category. More recently, in February 2025, they clinched another silver in the Under Catch Weight category at Palghar, Maharashtra.
This marks the first-ever participation of the Nagaland Women’s Team in the National Championship. The NTWA expressed optimism that the team will return home with commendable achievements and has humbly appealed to all sports lovers to uphold the team in prayer and support.
In addition, eight male athletes from NTWA are also set to represent India at the World Outdoor Tug of War Championship, under the aegis of the Tug of War Federation of India (TWFI). The event will be held in Nottingham, England, from September 4 to 7, 2025.
A brief send-off ceremony was held at Toulazouma, where NTWA president Dr. Er. Vekho Swuro conveyed his best wishes to the women’s team. He encouraged them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship with humility and enthusiasm and expressed hope that they will return with medals, bringing glory to the state and to God’s faithfulness.
Dr. Swuro extended his gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for fully sponsoring the team’s participation. He lauded the Chief Minister’s continued support in advancing youth development through sports and credited his dynamic leadership for the Association’s growing success.
He also expressed deep appreciation to Col. Tarun Rana, Commandant of the 13th Assam Rifles, Kohima, for providing consistent logistical support and access to training grounds since June 2025. Swuro acknowledged Col. Rana as a vital part of the NTWA community and prayed for blessings on him and his team.
The team is expected to return to Dimapur on the morning of August 27, 2025. Earlier, scripture reading and prayer of blessing for Team Nagaland was pronounced by Chakhesang Baptist Church, Toulazouma, Ngutsolo Therie.