Pulling together

The opposing teams planted their feet firmly in the grass, their hands gripping the massive 35-meter rope that measured a full 12.5 centimeters in diameter.

The objective was straightforward: whichever team could pull the rope's center marker past their own four-meter line would claim victory.

Yes, the rules couldn't be simpler — and perhaps that's precisely why the tug-of-war event held at Dong'an Lake Sports Park Athletics Field, which concluded on Monday, became one of the most well-attended events at the ongoing Chengdu World Games.

Over the three-day tournament, competitors of various ages endured both blistering sunshine and sudden downpours, all emerging equally drenched — whether in sweat, rain, or the thick mud churned up by their determined efforts.

Yet the event was also filled with the joy of victory, a sense of team spirit, birthday celebrations, raw human strength and cheers of support from the crowd that transcended language barriers and national allegiances.

On the first competition day on Aug 9, which also happened to be the 48th birthday of Dutch tug-of-war athlete Vincent Wagenmans, a surprise unfolded as the preliminary round concluded.

The giant screen suddenly displayed a message reading: "Happy Birthday", accompanied by the melody of the birthday song.

Event staff presented him with plush versions of the Games' mascots as a gift, while the entire audience joined in singing the birthday song in English. The nearly 1.9-meter-tall athlete broke into a touched, yet bashful smile.

"I was so surprised, completely unexpected! Even though the weather was hot, the opponents were strong, and the competition was intense, this birthday surprise made me feel so warm," Wagenmans shared.