Kabaddi is a sport that started in India and is now played all over the world. It is a high-energy, physically demanding game. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the sport, from its origins to its rules, training, and benefits. So, let’s get started!

Kabaddi is a sport that involves two teams of seven players each. The game’s objective is for each team to send a player, known as a “raider,” into the opponent’s half of the court to tag as many of their players as possible.  The “raider” should return to their own half without getting tackled by the opposing defenders in 30 seconds.

Where Does Kabaddi Originate From?

The sport of Kabaddi has its roots in ancient India, and it has been played for over a hundred years. In recent years, Kabbadi has gained massive popularity, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, Iran, South Korea, Nepal, and Pakistan. There are currently over 50 million Kabaddi players worldwide, according to the International Kabaddi Federation.

What are the Kabaddi Rules and Gameplay?

Like any other sports, kabaddi has rules that every player has to adhere to. Here are the common kabaddi rules:

  • Each Kabaddi game is played for 40 minutes over two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a 5-minute break. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
  • A Kabbadi court is a rectangle measuring 13 m x 10 m (42.7 ft x 32.8 ft) for the men’s court and 8 m x 12 m (26 ft x 39 ft) for the women’s court. Each court has a dividing line in the center, and the playing area is surrounded by a 3 m (9.8 ft)-wide “bonus line.” 
  • Each team starts the game with seven players, but a player can be substituted in at any time if a teammate is declared “out.” Each team has no more than 12 players.
  • Kabaddi is a physical sport where matches are categorized by age, weight, and sex. Kabaddi is also not a co-ed sport due to the physical nature of the sport.
  • Each Kabaddi match has six officials, who include a referee, a scorer, two assistant scorers, and umpires.
  • There’s a coin toss at the beginning of every Kabaddi match to determine the team to raid or defend. The defending team starts the second half with an attack or raid.
  • The raid is the most important part of Kabaddi. The offensive player or raider starts in their own half of the court and runs into the opponent’s half. The aim is to tag as many players as possible and return to their own half without getting tackled by the opponents. 
  • The attacker must take a deep breath before going on offense and is only allowed to inhale again upon returning to their own half. That’s why the raider must keep yelling “Kabaddi” to prove the raid is done in a single breath. If they fail to do this, the attacker must return to their own half, and the point is awarded to the opposing team.
  • Tagging is the act of touching an opponent with both hands. Points are scored in Kabaddi when the raider touches an opposing player with both hands and avoids tackles. The raider loses the point if they’re tackled by the defenders.
  • The defenders start tackling to stop the raider from going back to his or her own half. The defenders work together to prevent the raider and stop the team on attack from scoring.
  • A successful tackle occurs when the raider is grabbed by the torso or limbs. You cannot grab a raider by the hair, clothes, or anywhere else other than the limbs or torso, and defenders cannot breach the center line.
  • In Kabaddi, both the attacking and defending teams can score points. The attacking team scores a point when they tag an opponent, while the defending team scores a point after a successful tackle. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins the Kabaddi match.

Types of Kabbadi

There are several different variations of Kabbadi, including Standard Kabaddi, Beach Kabaddi, and Circle Kabaddi. Each of these variations has its own unique rules and gameplay, but they all share the same basic objective.

  • Standard Kabaddi: This is the traditional form of the sport where two teams of seven players each take turns sending a raider into the opponent’s half of the court to try and tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own half without getting tackled.
  • Beach Kabaddi: This version of the sport is played on a beach. The rules are similar to those of standard Kabaddi, but the surface and conditions add a new level of difficulty.
  • Circle Kabaddi: As the name suggests, Circle Kabaddi is played within a smaller circle. The goal stays the same, but the smaller playing area makes the game harder in a new way.

Tournaments and Championships

Kabbadi is a sport that is played at both the national and international levels. There are several major Kabaddi tournaments held each year, including the National Kabaddi Championships and the World Cup. In addition, Kabbadi is also a sport in the Asian Games, which are held every four years and feature teams from across Asia.

Are There Professional Kabaddi Leagues?

Yes, there are professional Kabaddi leagues in Asia as follows:

  • Indian Pro Kabaddi League: This is a professional Kabaddi league in India, has 12 teams featuring top Kabaddi players from around the country. Teams represent different cities and compete against each other in a tournament format. Pro Kabaddi has become very popular in recent years, which has helped spread the word about the sport and make it more popular.
  • The World Kabaddi League: This league follows the circle-style kabaddi and is played in India, Pakistan, Canada, and the United States.
  • Super Kabaddi League (SKL): A professional kabaddi league in Pakistan that attracts international players from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Iran.

Training and Preparation for Kabbadi

Playing Kabbadi requires a combination of physical and mental preparation. 

Physical preparation means getting stronger, more flexible, and able to last longer. It also means getting faster, which is important for tagging and getting out of tackles. On the other hand, mental preparation means having a good attitude and a strong desire to win.

There are several drills and exercises that can help players prepare for Kabbadi, including agility drills, strength training, and endurance training. Kabbadi is also a team sport, so it’s important to work together with your teammates to improve your communication and teamwork skills.

The Advantages of Playing Kabaddi

Playing Kabbadi offers a number of physical and mental benefits. Physically, Kabbadi can help you get stronger, more agile, and able to go longer without getting tired. Kabbadi can help you improve your mind by giving you a more positive outlook, building your confidence, and making you more focused and determined.

In addition, Kabbadi is a great way to socialize and make new friends. Playing on a team requires good communication and teamwork, which can help players develop strong bonds with their teammates. This can also help players develop a sense of community and belonging.

Final Thoughts

Kabbadi is a sport that has been played for more than a hundred years. It is a high-energy, physically demanding game.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, Kabaddi offers a unique combination of physical and mental challenges that can help you improve your overall fitness and well-being. So, why not give Kabbadi a try today and see what all the excitement is about!

FAQs:

What is Kabbadi?

Kabbadi is a sport that involves two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is for each team to send a player, known as a “raider,” into the opponent’s half of the court. He/she must tag as many of their players as possible and then return to their own half without getting tackled.

How long is a Kabbadi game?

Each Kabbadi game is played over two halves, each lasting 20 minutes. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

What are the benefits of playing Kabaddi?

Kabbadi has both physical and mental benefits, such as making you fitter, stronger, and more agile. It also makes you more focused and determined. It’s also a great way to socialize and make new friends.

Are there different variations of Kabbadi?

Yes, there are several different variations of Kabaddi, including Standard Kabaddi, Beach Kabaddi, Circle Kabaddi, and the Pro Kabaddi League. Each of these variations has its own unique rules and gameplay.

Is Kabaddi a sport in the Asian Games?

Yes, Kabbadi is a sport in the Asian Games, which are held every four years and feature teams from across Asia.

What kind of preparation is required to play Kabaddi?

Playing Kabbadi requires a combination of physical and mental preparation. Physical preparation involves developing strength, agility, and endurance, as well as improving your reaction time. Mental preparation involves developing a positive attitude and a strong will to win.

Is Kabaddi an Olympic sport?

No,  Kabaddi is not in the Olympics. Kabaddi was a demonstration sport in the 1936 Olympics but wasn’t included as part of the official games.

Is kabaddi a real sport?

Kabaddi is a real sport that requires both physical and mental training to be good at. It’s also the national sport of Nepal and Bangladesh and has a huge following at the Asian Games.

Which country is the best in kabaddi?

India is the top country in kabaddi with 5000 points followed by Iran with 2800 points, Pakistan with 1900, and Bangladesh with 865 points.

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