Amazing Sport : Insuknawr (Rod-pushing)

By [H. Thangchungnunga] (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Insuknawr (Rod Pushing) Sport

Insuknawr or rod-pushing is an indigenous game of Mizoram, a state in North-East India. It is 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 objective of the game is simple - to push the opponent outside the circle in 3 to 5 rounds.

Sum and Suk (Mortar and Pestle)

The Mizo community has long been dependent on shifting cultivation for livelihood and their main crop was rice. For husking rice, the Mizos used wooden mortar and pestle which were called ‘Sum’ and ‘Suk’. During the break of their tiresome rice husking which was done mainly by women, the Mizo youngsters used this rice pounding wooden pestle ‘Suk’ to exhibit their manly prowess. There were different games using Suk as instrument. Of all these games, Insuknawr was the most popular among the Mizos.

Before the game begins, each player holds the rod under his arm, like in the game of tug of war. Players have to make sure that the centre of the rod is in proper alignment with the centre of the circle. Each player tries to push his opponent out of the ring, through the back or the side of the circle. During play if anyone falls down, he loses the match. If the end of the rod touches the ground, negative points are given. No player is allowed to throw his opponent off balance by pulling their rod.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. The game or round is not won until a player is successfully pushed out.

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

There are two games played in Mizoram related to Suk (wooden rod). One is Sukkhawh which is throwing of Suk like a javelin. Other is Insukherh in which two players holding Suk at each end and twist with force to out play the opponent. Of all these games, Insuknawr was the most popular among the Mizos.