Back Toutrek Afrikaans Tygelwīg ANG شد الحبل Arabic ৰছী টনা খেল Assamese রশি টানা Bengali/Bangla Sach-fun Breton Joc d'estirar la corda Catalan ᏍᏕᏯᏓ ᎬᏘ ᏓᎾᏓᏌᏁᏍᎬ CHR Přetahování lanem Czech Tovtrækning Danish
.jpg) Members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps competing in France, 3 August 1918 | |
| Highest governing body | Tug of War International Federation |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | TOW |
| First played | Ancient |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Non-contact |
| Team members | Eight (or more) |
| Mixed-sex | mix 4+4 and separate |
| Type | Team sport, outdoor/indoor |
| Equipment | Rope and boots |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | Part of the Summer Olympic programme from 1900 to 1920 |
| World Games | 1981–present |
| Tugging rituals and games ល្បែងទាញព្រ័ត្រ (Khmer) Punnuk (Filipino) 줄다리기 (Korean) Kéo Co (Vietnamese) | |
|---|---|
| Country | Cambodia, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam |
| Reference | 01080 |
| Region | Asia and the Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2015 (10th session) |
| List | Representative |
Tug of war (also known as tug o' war, tug war, rope war, rope pulling, or tugging war) is a sport in which two teams compete by pulling on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal of bringing the rope a certain distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team's pull. The sport has ancient origins and has been practiced in various cultures throughout history. It was included in the Summer Olympics from 1900 to 1920 but is no longer part of the Olympic program. Tug of war continues to be practiced in schools, community events, and organized competitions worldwide.
Tug of war typically involves teams of eight or more members, though the number can vary. The rope is marked with a centre line and two markers equidistant from the centre. The objective is to pull the opposing team’s marker across the centre line. Specific rules govern techniques, such as prohibiting touching the ground for extended periods of time or lowering one's elbow below the knee during a pull. The sport requires both cooperation of team members and physical strength.
Internationally, tug of war is governed by the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), which organizes World Championships for nation teams biannually, for both indoor and outdoor contests, and a similar competition for club teams. It is particularly popular in Europe, Asia, and the United States, where it is often featured in festivals and national competitions.
Tug of war features as an important ritual in many societies, holding religious, cultural and historical significance. The sport remains a popular activity in both competitive and informal settings.