Tug of War champions shouldering the weight of expectation

It is hard to miss the Minnal Pada Whakatū team practicing its tug of war techniques ahead of the All Oceania Tug of War Competition in Nelson later this month.

The Vadamvali Karan (pullers) gathered in the carpark next to the Saxton Field athletics track, wrapped a huge rope around a sturdy tree and then started training.

They pull the rope over the shoulder, a tradition that goes back to their roots in Kerala in the south of India.

Vadamvali (tug of war) is a huge sport in that region, and Jis Joseph was keen to get it going in Nelson when he moved here two years ago.

“I started this team for fun, but then I found these guys were really capable. They are dedicated and train five or six times a week,” enthuses Jis.

That quickly paid off as Minnal Pada Whakatū, which translates as ‘lightning army’, won the all-Indian national tug of war championship in Hamilton last December and the $4,444 prize money.

Now they are hosting their own tournament, in conjunction with the Nelson Malayalee Association, and are hoping for as many as 14 teams to take part with the same financial rewards up for grabs, too.

Minnal Pada’s numbers have swelled enough to enter two seven-strong teams, and competition for places is fierce.

As well as being one of the event organisers, Manu Nair is a key member of the championship side.

Weighing in at around 90 kilograms, Manu is one of heavier contingent, and as such, slots in at number three on the rope.

“Our role is to get in position and defend it.

"We start pulling back and it is crucial to lower the body positions to get the rope as close to the ground as possible,” explains Manu.“It is all about getting in the rhythm.”

Jis is right there alongside the team, almost hands-on himself, calling instructions and trying to ensure they maintain their rhythm, otherwise they can fall to the ground.

Evenly matched teams can battle for two to three minutes, while some contests are over within 30 seconds. 

Exact weight is all important with the combined total of the seven pullers capped at 605kgs.

“We have to watch what we eat the day before and if someone is too heavy, they have to run the extra weight off,” says Manu.

Given their instant success, he knows the pressure is on to win their own tournament at the Saxton Field netball courts on 26 April.

Minnal Pada warmed up for the All Oceania event by finishing second in a contest in Auckland at the weekend.

They won’t lack for support back home, with Nelson’s Kerala community at around 400 people.

Manu is also hoping to attract a wider audience with an added pull, a food carnival running in conjunction with the all-day competition, plus a family fun zone and live music.