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 |