It's one of the smallest sports in South Africa, but it has some of the most impressive brawn, grunts and "pulling power" in sport; and to prove that, more than a dozen countries gathered in Pretoria for the 2010 Tug-o-War World championship.
It was the fourth time that the event was held in Pretoria at the University of Pretoria's sport ground. The last time was in 2002.
For two days the fields reverberated with deep bass hollers and high pitched shouts as the men and ladies literally dug their heels in and put their hands to work to see who the strongest Tug-o-War teams in the world are.
The event was decided in various senior, junior and women's categories, with Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and Switzerland coming out tops in most items.
However, South Africa and Chinese Taipei put in strong showings too.
From the small but enthusiastic spectator crowd at the event it was clear that while Tug-o-War is one of the smallest sports in South Africa, it has an ardent and loyal following.
Visiting countries were clearly enjoying themselves in the warm Pretoria sun, where temperatures touched on 30 degrees during most of the day. Many visitors said they were staying on to visit game parks and spend a few days in Cape Town.
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa
Giving no inch at the Tug-o-War worlds
