Nagaland CM team representing India finished sixth in the Classic Tug of War World Championship at the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, marking India’s first participation in the discipline at the international event. The result has been welcomed in Nagaland as a notable achievement for the state’s tug-of-war athletes and a significant step onto the global sporting stage.
Nagaland CM team records wins in Kyrgyzstan
The 10-member Nagaland CM team competed under the Indian flag in the Classic Tug of War event. Led by captain Vechita Khesoh, the team secured victories over Brazil, South Korea, Great Britain and Turkey during the competition.
The team’s campaign eventually ended against hosts Kyrgyzstan, after which the Indian side finished sixth in the championship. Although the team did not reach the medal positions, its performance stood out because India was making its debut in tug of war at the World Nomad Games.
The athletes who represented India included Vechita Khesoh, Kezhaseluo Pienyü, Keviser Dzuvichu, Sedevizo Keretsu, Vekuzo Vezuh, Niekhozo Keroh, Heuci Kunlim and Vemele Thingo. Kethoseituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, served as coach, while Joint Director Neuvitho Nyuthe took on the role of referee.
First Indian tug-of-war appearance
The sixth-place finish gives the Nagaland CM team added significance because the participation was India’s first in the tug-of-war discipline at the World Nomad Games. Tug of war is among the strength-based sports included in the 2026 edition, alongside traditional wrestling and other indigenous competitions.
The World Nomad Games are being held from August 31 to September 6 across venues in Kyrgyzstan, including Bishkek and locations around the Issyk-Kul region. More than 100 countries and around 3,000 athletes are taking part in 43 sporting disciplines, making the event one of the largest international gatherings focused on traditional sports and cultural heritage.
For Nagaland, the participation also provides international exposure to athletes from a sport that relies heavily on strength, coordination and teamwork. The team’s victories against four international opponents underline the competitive potential of the state’s athletes.
Team earns praise from Nagaland association
The performance of the Nagaland CM team drew appreciation from the Nagaland Tug of War Association (NTWA). Its president, Dr Er. Vekho Swuro, praised the athletes for demonstrating unity and sporting spirit during their international campaign.
Swuro also encouraged the players to aim for greater success in future competitions. He expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for his support and patronage in enabling the team’s participation at the global event.
The backing is significant for a team competing at an event where traditional sports from across different regions are brought together. The World Nomad Games seek to preserve and promote traditional sporting practices while creating opportunities for international cultural exchange.
India sends a wider contingent
The Nagaland CM team is part of a broader Indian contingent at the 2026 World Nomad Games. India has sent 87 participants, including 73 athletes, 10 cultural representatives and four participants in the scientific programme. Indian competitors are taking part in traditional wrestling, equestrian events, archery, board games and other disciplines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony at Bishkek Arena on August 31. The Indian contingent received a standing ovation as it entered the stadium carrying the national flag.
The Games bring together sporting and cultural traditions that have roots in nomadic communities. Events include horseback competitions, wrestling, archery, traditional strategy games, strength contests and tug of war. The 2026 edition is the sixth since the event was launched in Kyrgyzstan in 2014.
A significant international platform
For the Nagaland CM team, the sixth-place finish represents more than a final ranking. The campaign gave Nagaland athletes an opportunity to compete against established international teams and gain experience in a major global sporting environment.
The victories over Brazil, South Korea, Great Britain and Turkey also provide an encouraging foundation for future participation. As India develops a stronger presence in traditional sports, Nagaland’s contribution could help create greater visibility for tug of war and other indigenous sporting disciplines.
The Nagaland CM team may have missed out on the podium, but its sixth-place finish has established an important benchmark for India’s future appearances in Classic Tug of War at the World Nomad Games. The result also highlights the growing role of Nagaland athletes in representing India at international sporting events.
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