International Tug Of War Day 2021: 5 Interesting Facts About The Classic Sport

Feb. 19 marks International Tug Of War Day, the perfect time to celebrate the classic sport that can easily bring out anyone's competitive side.

Tug of war is one of those games that many people have known since childhood, whether they played it in their own backyards, at school or at camp. It is fairly simple to play. All you need is a rope and two teams to pull the rope's opposite ends. This game is so popular that it has been a staple at events like team buildings and family reunions.

Beloved for generations, tug of war is actually more than just a simple game for fun. It's a competitive sport with an interesting history. It has become a worldwide event as well.

On International Tug Of War Day, let's have a look at some interesting facts about the sport, courtesy of National Today and Days of the Year (DOTY).

Tug Of War Goes Way Back In History

Tug of war was already a part of different cultures throughout history long before entering our backyards. Although when exactly the game was invented remains unclear, evidence from ancient illustrations shows the presence of a form of tug of war in countries such as India, Hawaii, Korea, Egypt and China, National Today said, suggesting its existence for thousands of years. Warriors in China even used tug of war as a part of their training as early as the eighth century B.C.

Viking Tug Of War Was Intense

Today, tug of war is often played in a field using a rope with a cloth tied in the middle. During competitions, the game can be played in a muddy area for the losing team to fall onto. It's a fun yet competitive way of playing the game.

The Vikings, however, had a different idea for tug of war. Instead of a rope, they used animal pelts, DOTY said. And instead of playing on a muddy area that would leave the losing team quite messy, Viking tug of war was played over a pit of fire.

Tug Of War Was Once In The Olympics

Tug of war entered the Olympic Games in 1900 but was dropped in 1920 in an effort to reduce the number of sports in the event. In total, tug of war was a part of the Olympics five times, during which Great Britain won the most medals for the sport, Olympian Database noted.

Although the sport was dropped from the Olympics, it has remained an official sport that's enjoyed in many countries worldwide. It has also been a part of The World Games since 1981, the International World Games Association (IWGA) said.

It Has Its Own Governing Body

As simple as tug of war sounds, the sport actually has its own governing body: the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF). Some countries also have their own governing bodies for the sport, too.

In fact, official tug of war tournaments are held in many parts of the world, and these events are regulated by these organizations.

The TWIF's primary objective, it said, is to gain a "high level of excellence" so it can be accepted again as a sport in the Olympic Games.

Tug Of War Is Good For Pets

The sport isn't just for humans; it's also good for pets. According to Dr. Mary Burch of the American Kennel Club (AKC), contrary to the myth that playing tug with your pet dog can cause aggression and dominance, it can actually build your dog's confidence and help increase the bond between the two of you.

What's more, playing tug of war with dogs can help release their excess energy. It is also a good way of teaching them self-control.

It's worth noting, however, that tug of war with dogs should be done safely. This means managing the game properly and opting not to play the game with a dog who has a history of aggression.