Chinese Taipei wins women's 500kg tug-of-war title at World Games

CHENGDU - Chinese Taipei beat Switzerland in the final to claim the women's 500kg tug-of-war title at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu on Sunday.

The start of the competition was delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain.

Chinese Taipei defeated Germany and Switzerland overcame Sweden in the semifinals.

In the final, Chinese Taipei swept Switzerland 3-0 for the victory. In the bronze medal match, Sweden defeated Germany with the same score.

"We are very excited to have fought through the rain and won the championship," said Tien Chia-jung of Chinese Taipei.

In the fifth-place playoff, Britain upset the United States.

US coach Bill Gallagher described competing in the rain as an unprecedented experience.

"Even though the players were not used to it, they did their best to adjust and enjoy the process," he said. "This is the charm of the World Games, and it was an unforgettable experience."

Tug-of-war has been a formal event since the inaugural World Games in 1981. Starting from the last World Games, the event moved from indoors to outdoors. The tug-of-war competitions of this World Games feature three outdoor categories: men's, women's, and mixed.