It's a sport built on grit, determination and raw power – yet one that often flies under the radar. Townsville Titans Antony Jacob is hoping to change that as he prepares for the Townsville Tug of War Championships this July.
The Townsville Titans have been participating in competitive Tug of War for more than three years.
Townsville Titans' Antony Jacob said the team had gone from strength to strength since its inception in late 2023, having then become competitive at the end of 2024 - and have attended six competitions across Australia and New Zealand since.
"So far we have totalled three silver medals, one gold and one bronze," Mr Jacob said.
"The sport of Tug of War comes from our roots and is well known back in India. Today across Australia there are around 24 teams, and the sport has really grown since the mid-2000s here.
Mayor Nick Dametto said he was excited to see the group, consisting of 11 members come up in Townsville City Council's community grants program last meeting, where the Council voted to endorse the club's request for $5,000 to go towards their Townsville Tug of War Championship.
"The Townsville Titans have recently dropped on my radar, and I think any sport that combines strength, determination and unity is something our community can get behind," Cr Dametto said.
"To see a local club growing over the years to then go on to create an event for our city is something that should not only be commended, but supported by both our community, and Council.
"I've seen what these guys can do firsthand and to say I'm impressed would be an understatement, so I'm really looking forward to getting along to the Townsville Tug of War Championships later this year."
Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic said the Townsville Titans had been keeping her updated on their progress in recent years and she was delighted they jumped at the opportunity to make a submission for a community grant.
"This is what these grants are all about - investing in our community and supporting the groups that contribute so much to Townsville's social fabric," Cr Batkovic said.
"It's great to see this funding supporting not only the Townsville Titans as a club, but also helping create what I hope becomes an annual event, while growing the visibility and participation of the sport.
"This event will see teams travel from across Australia and potentially New Zealand, which will bring a fantastic economic benefit to Townsville."
Antony said the Townsville Championships was open to the whole community.
"This is absolutely open to anybody who wants to get involved in the sport – regardless of age or gender," he said.
"It will be a family-friendly event, and we would love for people to come down and have a good time and witness the sport – there's a lot of energy and adrenaline in the sport and if that pushes more teams to get on board or come to Townsville, the better.
The Townsville Tug of War Championships will be held on July 18 at Kirwan State High School. More details will be released by the Townsville Titans in the coming weeks.
