Folk game of Chitral "tug-of-war" tournament ended 

By Zahiruddin

CHITRAL: Thousands of the fans of tug-of-war thronged to watch the final match of the folk game of Chitral which has been quite popular in the past but was on the verge of obliteration.

Played in the Parade Ground on Tuesday, the title was clinched by Singure team who defeated Faiz Abad team by 2 to zero.

The triumphant team of Singur consisted of Shah Zamir Shah (captain), Fazle Mabud, Rahmat Waheed, Fahlool Waheed, Akbar Ali, Meharban Khan, Naseem Khan, Rahmatullah, Saleem Khan, Shaula Khan, Muhammad Siddique and Saeedullah.

The district coordination officer of Chitral Rahmatullah Wazir was chief guest on the occasion who gave away prizes to the players. Addressing on this occasion, he said that the tough physique of the people of Chitral was quite robust for the sport of tug-of-war and it was heartening to note that the local people were quite its consummate players.

He said that the team of Chitral district had emerged out as provincial champion and its players were also selected for the event of national games to represent the province and all it was not a mean achievement.

He said that the game will be patronized by the district governemt and a hefty amount will be allocated in the forthcoming district budget for it.

The spectators included one Sorum Khan who claims to have crossed the age of one hundred years hailing from Singur village. While talking to Chitraltimes.com , he was quite enthusiastic to remember the days of formerly Chitral State during which tug-of-war was popular game in the areas patronized lavishly by the dynasts.

He said that the game was second to polo in the area and every village had a number of teams who participated in the competitions on state level.

Mr. Khan complained that with the advent of new age, the game has been replaced by football and cricket and he had traveled to the venue to watch the final match of his team which had won the tournament as he himself represented his village in 1940s.

Appreciating his zeal and zest for the game, the chief guest rewarded him three thousand rupees out of his own kitty.

The president of district Rasa Kashi Association, Murad Khan and organizer Hussain Ahmed said that the game has been revived in the recent years by the association while the new generation had already forgotten and given up this game which has a great potential in the area.