Thiruvananthapuram: In a nail-biting tug-of-war final at the State School Sports Meet in Kerala, the senior boys of Palakkad and Kannur refused to give an inch, literally. Every time the rope inched in one direction, the teams immediately pulled it back. The intense first pull stretched for an astonishing 8 minutes and 41 seconds, keeping spectators at the edge of their seats. In the end, Palakkad triumphed, finishing the second pull in 2 minutes and 39 seconds to claim gold.

Last year’s repeat

The boys’ and girls’ finals mirrored last year’s results. In the boys category, Palakkad won gold, Kannur silver, and Malappuram bronze. Palakkad’s team included Abhishek, Ashmil, Ashyam, Aromal, Bhupathi, Sooryan, Adarsh, and Abhinav.

In the girls category, Kannur emerged champions after defeating Malappuram, while Idukki secured bronze. The Kannur team comprised S. Sreelakha, Claire Boby, Fiona Rose Robin, Gopika Biju, Aleena Thomas, Dona Maria Varghese, Meril Paul, K.J. Rithika, and Gayathri Sunil.

Coached by M.Com students?

Interestingly, the winning teams were guided by M.Com students. Kannur’s coach, K.K. Sreeraj, a member of Kannur University’s tug-of-war team, was invited by his alma mater, St. Mary’s School, Edur, Iritty. Palakkad’s coach, Jamshad, an M.Com student at Sreekrishnapuram VTB College, also coaches the tug-of-war team at Mannarkkad MES Kalladi College.

The tug-of-war matches weren’t without challenges. Earlier competitions at the muddy grounds of Vellayani Agricultural College had to be postponed after several students slipped. Despite calls to reschedule, authorities moved the competitions indoors. The matches were finally held on Saturday morning from 6:30 AM inside the German Pandal at Central Stadium, with mats removed from the Kho-Kho venue.