The “Tug of War” Championships of the 49th National Sports Festival concluded recently at the Galle District Open Sports Complex, Dadalla, Galle. There were 180 participants representing the nine provinces competing in both men’s and women’s segments. There were many exhilarating battles, and the teams showed up with strength, spirit, and solidarity. At the end of the day, the North Central Province men’s team and the Western Province women’s team clinched gold medals.
In the men’s segment, Southern Province and North Central Province earned their spots in the final by beating Uva Provincial and North Western Provincial sides in the semifinals. In the exciting final they were determined to secure a win, but both sides stayed strong and unshaken. Finally, the gigantic team from North Central Province clinched the gold medal, while the Southern lads had to be satisfied with a silver.
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In the third-place final, the formidable Uva Province clashed with the powerful North Western outfit. After another exciting battle, Uva Province secured a podium finish by clinching the bronze medal.
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In the women’s segment, Western Province and Central Province secured their places in the prestigious final by overcoming the challenges from North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. After a dominating display, the Western Province outfit claimed the gold, while the ladies from Central were satisfied with the silver. This was a significant milestone for Western Province, as this time they have secured their title for a record sixth time in a row. Further, the Western Province outfit representing the women from “Raddoluwa Ekamuthu Sports Club” had achieved this extraordinary victory.
In the Bronze final the ladies from North Central Province outclassed the Sabaragamuwa Province women to secure the third place.
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The presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of Secretary to Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – Mr. Aruna Bandara, Director General of the Department of Sports Development – V. Premachandiran, The Assistant District Secretary – Salinda Udaya Kumara, Assistant Sports Director – Dalia de Silva, Assistant Director (Sports) – Anula Wijesinghe and few other distinguished guests. Veteran tug-of-war sporting coach Ruwan Rajapaksha served as the chief organiser of the event.
49th National Sports Festival – Tug of War Final Results
Men’s segment
Gold Medal – North Central Province
Silver Medal – Southern Province
Bronze Medal – Uva Province
Women’s segment
Gold Medal – Western Province
Silver Medal – Central Province
Bronze Medal – North Central Province
