A valve operating push rod for an internal combustion engine comprises a metal tube having end members with outer hardened surfaces of arcuate shape welded to the respective ends of the tube. A tubular metal member having a length slightly shorter than that of the tube is pressure fitted inside or outside the wall of the tube. At least one of the ends of the tubular member is spaced apart from the welded portion between the tube and the corresponding end member. The problem of vibration between the valve head and valve seat of the intake or exhaust valve of the engine can be minimized in this way due to the different individual vibrations of the tube and tubular member, since at least one end of the tubular member is not in contact with the corresponding welded portion.