After months of training and setbacks, the boys from Kerala have made history, defeating seasoned teams to claim the New Zealand Tug-of-War Championship in Hamilton earlier this month.
It was a victory 12 months in the making. A journey of dedication and relentless hard work paid off as the Minnal Pada Whakatū Tug-of-War team emerged as the New Zealand champions.
Formed just a year ago under the guidance of coach Jismon Joseph, captain Libin Babu, and vice-captain Alex Mathew, the group of determined Nelson men from Kerala, India, say their victory is not only a testament to their skill and passion but also to the power of discipline, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
Tug-of-war, or vadam vali, is a traditional sport deeply-rooted in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
It involves two teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag their opponents across a centre line.
The Minnal Pada Whakatū team, which translates to ‘Lightning Squad’ in Malayalam, started their journey in November 2023, with a clear goal: to bring glory to their community and make a mark on the international stage.
In January, the team participated in their first tournament in Timaru, where they secured an impressive 4th place.
Despite coming close to victory by defeating the South Island champions, they left the competition disappointed but determined.
“We weren’t satisfied with 4th place. We knew we had the potential to go further, and that kept us pushing,” captain Libin says.
The team then entered the next tournament in Levin, where they earned second prize but making them South Island champions.
In May, the team faced their first international tournament.
Competing against well-established teams from Australia and New Zealand, the young squad placed 4th out of 15 teams.
As the year progressed, the team continued to refine their technique, participating in several more tournaments. They maintained their title as South Island champions.
Minnal Pada Whakatū then went up against 14 seasoned teams in the national championship, winning every match and claiming the championship title.
“We knew we could do it, but to actually win was beyond words,” says coach Jismon, who was visibly moved after the win.
“This team has shown that when you have hunger, discipline, and the right support system, no challenge is too big.”
The victory earned the team not only the prestigious championship trophy but also a cash prize of $4444.
During the post-prize distribution ceremony, Jismon expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team’s families, supporters, and sponsors.
“This victory belongs to every one of you. Your unwavering belief in us has made this possible.”
As Minnal Pada Whakatū celebrates its first anniversary, their achievement has become a source of pride for the local community, as well as for the Kerala diaspora. The team now has set their sights on even greater goals, with aspirations of representing New Zealand on the global stage.
