Auckland's Raiders clinched the men's title by defeating defending champions Thekkans, while Thames-based Gangzz triumphed over Lady Dadas in the women's final. Photo: Supplied
New Zealand's Kerala community came together at Auckland's Manukau Tennis Centre on Saturday for Mamankam 2025, a tug of war competition that featured more than 150 players across 18 teams from New Zealand and Australia.
Tug of war, also known as vadam vali, is a traditional sport with deep roots in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
It is an athletic contest in which two teams at opposite ends of a rope try to drag the other across a centre line.
In Auckland, three women's teams competed for the first time in the competition.
"We've been participating in tug of war competitions across New Zealand in the past two years," said Babilu Swathin, a member of the Lady Dadas team from New Plymouth.
"The members of the team are all working women and we were all interested in taking part in a sport," she said.
"In New Plymouth there was a men's tug of war team, and we thought we'd also join in on the fun."
Babilu Swathin is a member of the Lady Dadas team from New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Swathin said the community in New Plymouth has been very supportive of the team, which won a competition hosted by the Tug of War Association in Auckland last year.
She said the sport was physically demanding but they often received enquiries from women interested in joining.
Auckland-based Raiders won the men's title by defeating defending champions Thekkans in the final.
In the women's competition, Thames-based Gangzz defeated Lady Dadas to claim victory.
Tug of war is a traditional sport with deep roots in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
The event was organised by Auckland Malayali Samajam.
"We wanted to make it better than last year and we have more teams participating this year," said Remya Kiran, joint secretary of Auckland Malayali Samajam.
Kiran said the organisers worked closely with the Tug of War Association to improve how the competition was conducted and to make the event more family friendly.
"The inclusion of women's teams is a highlight this year and we hope to see more participation next year," she said.
Remya Kiran is joint secretary of Auckland Malayali Samajam. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Kiran said the event also featured food stalls offering traditional Kerala and South Indian cuisine for the community to enjoy.
Although the origins of tug of war are uncertain, the sport is believed to date back to ancient India, Greece, Egypt and China.
Tug of war appeared in five Olympic Games from 1900 until 1920, with team sizes ranging from five to eight members.
Great Britain was the world leader in the event, winning two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze.
Tug of war is a traditional sport with deep roots in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Manu Kuttarapallil, a member of the Minnalpada team from Nelson, said his team was formed two years ago.
"We have participated in about eight tournaments so far," he said.
"Travelling from Nelson is a challenge but we are planning to compete in Australia next month."
He said the sport was gaining popularity in New Zealand and among the Kerala community globally.
"It has grown tremendously over the past few years and is now seen as a very special traditional sport for our community," Kuttarapallil said.
