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Insuknawr ( Rod - pushing )
Insuknawr or rod - pushing is
an indigenous game of the state of Mizoram, played only by men. Insuknawr
has been declared a ' Mizo National Game ' by the Mizoram State Sports
Council. It is a test of sheer strength and stamina. The game is played
within a circle with a diameter of 16 to 18 ft, and the only instrument used
is a rounded wooden rod or pole, 8 ft long and 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
The aim of the game is to push the
opponent out of the circle within three to five rounds.
How the game is played
Before the game begins, each player holds the rod under his arm, as in the game of tug of war. The end of the rod should project for at least four inches under the armpit, and the centre of the rod must align with the centre of the circle.
A round is considered as drawn if no player is pushed out of the circle within 60 seconds. If all three rounds are drawn, a tie - breaker is declared, without any time limit, until a player is pushed out. In this contest, each player tries to push his opponent out of the ring, through the back or the side of the circle. If a player falls to the ground, he is declared to be the loser. Should the end of the rod touch the ground, negative points are awarded. Negative points help determine the winner in a drawn game, at times.
No player is to throw his opponent off balance by pulling the latter's rod. An expert player can skid or slide around within the circle, but the game or round is not won until a player is successfully pushed out.
Weight Division
In Insuknawr, a contest of strength and endurance, contestants are categorised according to the following weight divisions:
a) Below 50 kg
b) 51 - 58 kg
c) 59 - 66 kg
d) 67 - 74 kg
e) 75 kg and above