England Shines at Home: A Golden Performance at the 2025 World Tug of War Championships
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Nottingham, England – September 4–7, 2025
The 2025 World Tug of War Championships, held at the University of Nottingham’s Highfields Sports Complex, delivered a thrilling showcase of strength, teamwork, and national pride. Organised by the English Tug of War Association (TOWA) on behalf of the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), the event welcomed over 1,200 athletes from 20 nations for four days of elite competition.
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England’s Medal Haul: 15 Medals, 6 Golds
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Celebrating All English Clubs
Beyond the medal winners, England was proudly represented by a host of clubs in the open competition who competed with distinction and showcased the depth of talent across the country. These included:
- Anstey
- Army Ladies
- Bosley
- Bedford Ladies
- Bedfordshire
- East Anglia
- Felton Eccles
- Holland TOWC
- Ickford
- Kilroe
- Lincoln
- Melton Mowbray
- Oxney Vines Cross
- Sheen Farmers
- Upper Eden
- York
- Martins Minions
Each of these clubs contributed to the electric atmosphere and competitive spirit of the championships, demonstrating skill, sportsmanship, and national pride. Their efforts helped make the event a resounding success and hopefully everyone has inspired spectators and future pullers alike to get involved in tug of war.
A Championship to Remember
This was a truly unforgettable championship for England. To perform like this on home soil, in front of such supportive crowds, is something special. The facilities at the University of Nottingham were outstanding, and the atmosphere throughout the weekend was electric.
The event also welcomed Mrs. Tania Chea from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), highlighting the sport’s growing global recognition and TWIF’s campaign for tug of war’s reintroduction to the Olympic Games.
Following Great Britain’s gold medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, and the increased media attention our sport has gained in recent weeks, we hope to build further momentum for our sport. Hopefully, everyone who has contributed has inspired more people to pick up the rope, take the strain, and pull!
The TOWA would also like to take this opportunity to thank and recognise the army of volunteers we had before, during and after the event who contributed to its successful running. Without everyone working together to organise and run the event, it would not have been possible, so to all of our volunteers and organising committee, THANK YOU!!
A message from the TOWA Chairman
Many worked from Monday 1st Sept to Monday 8th September. Setting up, taking down, doing admin tasks all behind the scenes as well as grafting hard throughout the five days of the Championships. Without these unsung heroes the Championship wouldn't have functioned, so I, and the Tug of War Association, as well as all the participants, owe a huge debt of gratitude to each and everyone one of them. Many were there from 6.30 am, or earlier, and were last to leave the field in the evening.
There was also a small band of volunteers that put everything together in the weeks, months and years before the event. Most participants are unaware of the huge cost, time and effort involved in hosting a Championship. So again, a big thank you from me to all of those that have worked tirelessly over the months and years prior to this Championship to make it the success I believe it was.
Pete Dyer
