The Chicago Social Club has thrown its weight behind Kerala’s first Knanaya International Tug of War tournament, scheduled for January 17, 2027 in Karinkunnam. Club president Ronald Pookkumbel and tournament committee head Cyriac Koovakad formally extended wishes to organizers this week.
Two prominent club members are serving as principal sponsors for the Karinkunnam event. Saji Mullappallil, a Karinkunnam native and Chicago businessman, is the platinum sponsor and also sits on the Chicago tournament’s organizing committee. Former club president Binu Kaithakathottiyil is funding the first prize of ₹1,00,001 along with the Simon Kaithakathottiyil Memorial Trophy.
The Chicago club brings substantial experience to the partnership. Its own international tug of war tournament ranks among the largest globally, and key organizers from that event are now guiding the Kerala debut.
Matches will follow the 570-kilogram weight category at St. Augustine’s Higher Secondary School Indoor Stadium. Thommen and Sons team will oversee competition operations. The parish feast of St. Augustine’s Knanaya Catholic Church and the Karinkunnam Social Club are jointly hosting.
Club leaders say the tournament aims to strengthen ties between the expatriate community and their hometown. They expect teams from across Kerala and abroad to participate, with hopes the event grows into a premier annual competition in coming years.
