THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although tug-of-war isn’t recognized as an official event in major sports arenas, it received generous government funding, while popular sports like football and athletics were left with only modest sums. Typically organized informally by clubs during festive celebrations like Onam, tug-of-war was allocated far more money than mainstream competitive sports.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Sports Council sanctioned Rs 43.39 lakh for tug-of-war. In contrast, athletics and aquatics — which brought Kerala five gold medals in the last National Games — each received Rs 36 lakh. Football, in which Kerala emerged as the national champion in the same event, was given a mere Rs 7 lakh.
Despite not being part of the Olympics, Asian Games, or any international championships, tug-of-war saw disproportionate financial support. Adding to the controversy, the Sports Council has yet to disclose how the Tug-of-War Association utilized the allocated funds.
This information emerged amid a heated exchange between the Sports Minister and various sports associations over Kerala’s disappointing performance in the National Games. The funds are meant to cover food, sports equipment, jerseys, training camps, and travel expenses for athletes in sports hostels. The unusually high financial support for tug-of-war — a sport absent from major games championships — has stirred controversy.
Funds allocated to sports associations (in rupees):