The World Tug of War Championship in Mannheim is not just another competition. This event is crucial because it determines which nations will secure their place at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. Six countries, across three weight categories, will have the chance to represent their respective continents on a global stage. For Daniel McCarthy, President of the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), the magnitude of this championship is unparalleled: "It's encouraging to see how the participation of countries from around the world is growing. This sport has a bright future, and this is reflected in the passion that is evident at every competition."

Indeed, it has not always been a forgotten discipline. In fact, it made its Olympic debut at Paris 1900 and remained on the programme until Antwerp 1920. During those years, taut ropes and cheers were as common in the Olympic stadium as the starting gun in athletics. Teams from all over the world competed in what was, for many, a test of national strength. In the first Olympic edition of 1900, a mixed team from Sweden and Denmark claimed gold, while France took silver, creating a legacy that still resonates in the annals of sports history.

However, as the Olympics grew and modernised, tug of war was removed from the programme in 1920, under the pretext of reducing the number of sports. It was a loss for enthusiasts, but the flame never truly extinguished. "The spirit of tug of war is something that transcends time," says McCarthy, who, along with other TWIF members, continues to fight for the sport’s return to the Olympic Games.

Fast forward to 2024, and tug of war made an unexpected appearance at the Paris Olympics, albeit not as an official competition. From 26th July to 10th August, Club France at Parc de la Villette came alive with the energy of thousands of fans. In this vibrant setting, the "Fédération Nationale du Sport en Milieu Rural" (FNSMR) and TWIF joined forces to promote this almost forgotten sport.

Over the course of two days, a French selection team conducted high-level demonstrations that left spectators amazed. Many were unaware that tug of war had been part of the Olympic programme in its early years. More than 1,600 people had the opportunity to participate, and the FNSMR entertainment area was one of the busiest. "The success of these activities is a strong symbol of our ambition to bring tug of war back to the Olympics," expressed Brigitte Linder, President of the FNSMR.

The public’s participation was astounding, with children and adults alike coming together to test their strength and endurance in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. "Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces after each match was something priceless," commented Christine Yang, TWIF representative from the Chinese Taipei Federation. This event not only rekindled interest in tug of war but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, something essential in any sport, but particularly in this one.

TWIF’s ambition to reinstate this iconic sport at the Olympic Games is not just a distant dream. The promotion in Paris is just one part of a broader strategy aimed at raising awareness among Olympic authorities about the history and value of this sport. "It is crucial that all TWIF member countries contact their IOC representatives and remind them that we are full members," emphasises McCarthy, who sees unity and global growth as the key to achieving this goal.

The World Championship in Mannheim is more than just a competition; it is a symbol of the resilience and perseverance of a sport that refuses to fade into obscurity. As teams compete for their place in Chengdu, the echo of taut ropes in the hands of athletes resonates not only on the field but also in history. Perhaps, one day, that echo will once again be heard on the greatest sporting stage of all: the Olympic Games.