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.

This marks Wagenmans' first visit to China. He said that his World Games journey has not only exposed him to high-level competition, but also allowed him to experience the hospitality and unique cultural charm of the Chinese people.

Saturday also marked the 72nd birthday of Richard Keightley, trainer of the British tug-of-war team that claimed gold in the men's 640kg category. With 54 years of tug-of-war experience, Keightley came to Chengdu serving as both a trainer and as support staff.

He revealed that most team members work manual labor jobs — in construction, carpentry and farming. Keightley himself was formerly a carpenter.

"It's absolutely fantastic. The gold medal is lovely, and beautiful. We'll certainly celebrate this," Keightley said after the medal ceremony.

That evening, during the daily cultural performance at TWG Village, the silver-haired veteran danced joyously.

When singers onstage sang happy birthday to him, a teammate hoisted Keightley, his face beaming, onto his shoulders.

On the second competition day, the women's outdoor 500kg tug-of-war event saw six teams battle through three hours of intense competitions from preliminaries to finals in pouring rain.

The female athletes, covered in a mix of rainwater, mud and shredded grass, struggled to maintain a footing on the slippery terrain — a true test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude that powerfully showcased female strength.

Many local spectators in raincoats cheered enthusiastically from the stands, supporting every team equally with their spirited shouts of xiongqi — an expression of encouragement in the Sichuan dialect.

"The weather is very hot and humid, but that won't affect our girls. They know what they're doing. They're here to compete, and we've taken precautions. Everyone's drinking lots of water, we've even got hydration tablets. We're doing everything to keep the girls performing at their peak," said Jessica Armitage, team leader for the British women's team.

Ria Van Maanen from the Netherlands encouraged more girls to participate in this sport.

"If the men can do it, so can we," she said.

"You must train just as hard as the men, especially since there aren't as many women in this sport."

"It's not just about pulling a rope — it's about team spirit. The better the teamwork, the better the game."

The 28-year-old competed in the mixed 580kg event on Monday with her brother Jan.

A review of the athlete roster reveals many participants competing alongside family members.

Germany's Lorenz Muhl, 29, fought side-by-side with his sister Romona in the tournament, securing a bronze together in the mixed event.

"That moment when we progressed, step-by-step, all the way to winning a medal — that's what makes tug of war so amazing," he said.

Robin Burch from the Swiss mixed team, which clinched gold, said that the sport means a lot to him, as all of his friends and family enjoy tug-of-war.

"So, it's really nice to travel with your friends and family all over the world to compete.

"We have a lot of friends from around the world, from the other teams in the field.

"Now, we are fighting against each other, but after the tournament, we hang out and enjoy each other's company," he said.