Indonesians are certainly no strangers to tug of war. This traditional sport is often used as a competition during the commemoration of Independence Day every August 17.

However, do you know how the story of tug of war, so popular as one of the the race of 17 in the country?

The origins of tug of war

Launching various sources, tug of war originates from the ancient cultures of China, India, and Egypt. According to the Tang Dynasty Book, tug of war has existed in Chinese culture since the 8th century BC.

However, tug of war was not a sport, but rather a means of training the military soldiers of the Chu country. The new tug of war has become a game since the reign of Emperor Xuanzong.

While in India it is mentioned that tug of war started to be known in the 12th century BC. However, the tug-of-war function was unclear at this time.

Another note mentions that tug of war began to be known as a sport or game at the Olympic Games held by the Greeks in 500 BC.

Tug of war was also used to train people’s physical strength at that time. After that, tug of war went global.

History of tug of war in Indonesia

The history of tug of war in Indonesia was introduced by the Dutch during the colonial era. In the beginning, Indonesians were introduced to ropes to pull heavy objects, such as stones, sand and others.

But slowly the rope is used as a game as entertainment in tug of war.

The tug of war game requires a large rectangular field with a size of 20 to 40 meters. While the width is about 5-8 meters.

Usually the field boundaries are lined with chalk. While the length of the tug of war ranges from 30 to 50 meters.

In the middle of the string there will be a middle mark which separates the strings of the first and second groups. Usually this center is marked with paint.

In addition, there is also a limit for each team of approximately 2.5 meters from the center line to the first person in each group who will pull the rope.

How to play tug of war, which consists of forming two teams, then each member of the team places themselves in their respective zone by making a distance between the members of the team to then pull the rope.

Then each group will pull the other’s strings in different directions. The tug of war rating for the winning group is for those who manage to pull the tug of war until the opponent enters the team area.

On the other hand, the losing team is the one that has been drawn into the opponent’s territory or the middle boundary is already no longer in the opponent’s territory.

Advantages of tug of war game

There are a number of benefits to playing tug of war. For example, tug of war trains muscle strength in the arms and legs. Then practice team building and cooperation.

Additionally, tug of war also teaches leadership and obedience to the leader who gives the strategy.

No less important, the benefits of tug of war are teaching sportsmanship and relieving stress.

This is the story of tug of war and how to play and its benefits. Happy 77th Indonesian Independence Day.

(uli/fef)