History

There is no clear time and place in history to define the origin of the game of tug of war. However, it can be said that the tug-of-war competition was mainly practiced in ancient ceremonies and rituals. According to a Tang dynasty book, The Notes of Feng, tug of war, under the name 'hook pulling', was used by the State of Chu military commander during the Spring and Autumn period (8th to 5th centuries BC) to train warriors. This game, seen with different names in many regions, is both a children's game and a sport practiced by professional athletes.

Rules

In the game of Tug of War, there must be an equal number of groups, at least one person in each group. The game has several differences depending on the region where it is performed. In some regions, the players participating in the game version are divided into two groups with a rhyme or counting. There must also be a referee in the game. A line is drawn on the ground. All the players line up behind the leader of each group and hold the rope at certain intervals; the main purpose is to pull the opposing team and get them to the other side of the line drawn in the middle. The teams pull each other towards their own side with all their might. The team that pulls the other team over the line to their side wins. In Türkiye, the team that rolls to the ground is mocked as a “bad apple”. There is no specific time limit for the game, but the game continues until a winner is won. In the game, previously determined punishments or rewards can be given between the groups. Since the game requires coordination and physical strength among group members, it positively affects coordination, group harmony, and muscle development/strength.