What is Kabaddi?

Kabaddi is a thrilling contact sport played between two teams of seven players, with roots deep in ancient India. Imagine a game where one daring player, called a “raider,” dashes into the enemy’s territory, touches as many opponents as possible, and sprints back home – all on a single breath! That’s the essence of kabaddi, a game fueled by agility, stamina, and strategic teamwork.

Kabaddi is India’s fastest-growing sport. Depending on the region, it’s called chedugudu, komonti, baibalaa, kauddi, hu-tu-tu, and even kapardi!

The Rules of the Game:

• The Battlefield: Played on a rectangular court indoors or a circular field outdoors, kabaddi requires quick movement and sharp tactics.
• Raiders and Defenders: Each team has seven players – one daring raider and six defenders guarding their half of the court.
• The Raid: The raider chants “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” while crossing into the opponent’s territory, aiming to touch as many defenders as possible before their breath runs out.
• Defense and Tackle: The defenders try to stop the raider by tackling them before they can return to their own half. If the raider gets caught or loses their breath, they’re “out” until their team scores a point.
• Scoring Points: For each defender touched by the raider, the raiding team scores a point. If the raider is stopped, the defending team scores.
• The Comeback: Players who are “out” can re-enter the game whenever their team scores a point, adding a dynamic element to the competition.

A Sport Across Time and Borders:

While the origins of kabaddi are shrouded in mystery, some believe it was played in ancient India as early as the Vedic period. Accounts of Buddha and Krishna enjoying this ancient version further add to its mystique. Today, kabaddi is not just an Indian sport – it’s popular across the Indian subcontinent and other Asian countries. In Bangladesh, it’s even the national sport, while in India, it holds the coveted second spot in popularity after cricket.

Two Styles of Play:

The world of kabaddi offers two distinct styles:

• Standard Style: Played on a rectangular court indoors, this is the official format seen in major professional leagues and international competitions like the Asian Games.
• Punjabi Kabaddi (Circle Style): This traditional version thrives on circular fields outdoors, showcasing the sport’s original essence.

More Than Just a Game:

Kabaddi is not just a thrilling competition; it’s a cultural symbol that transcends age and social barriers. It promotes agility, teamwork, and quick thinking, making it a valuable experience for players and spectators alike. The rhythmic chant of “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” adds to the excitement, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates audiences.

So, the next time you encounter the word “kabaddi,” don’t just picture a dusty field and chanting players. Remember the heart-pounding raids, the strategic defenses, and the spirit of teamwork that make this ancient sport an exhilarating experience for all.

Indoor Kabaddi: A Fast-Paced Chase on a Rectangular Court

Imagine two teams of seven players facing off on a rectangular court, 10 meters wide for men and 8 meters for women. Each team has five extra players waiting on the sidelines, ready to jump in when needed. The game is divided into two 20-minute halves, with a quick 5-minute break for some strategizing.

The heart of kabaddi is the “raid.” One player, the daring raider, dashes into the opponent’s half, chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” with each breath. Their mission? To touch as many defenders as possible with any part of their body and return safely to their side before their breath runs out. Sounds easy, right? Not quite!

The defenders are like a human wall, waiting to tackle the raider and stop them from scoring. If the raider gets caught or their chant falters, the defending team scores a point. But if the raider successfully tags defenders, their team earns points for each touch. Plus, there’s a bonus point up for grabs if the raider crosses a special line while tagging five or more defenders – talk about showing off!

But wait, there’s more! Players who get tagged aren’t out for good. Each point scored by their team brings one of them back into the game, adding a dynamic twist to the action. Just watch out for those boundary lines – stepping out means you’re temporarily out of the game.

Outdoor Kabaddi: A Traditional Twist on a Circular Field

Step outside the rectangle and enter the world of circle kabaddi! Played on a 22-meter-diameter circular field, this traditional style offers four exciting variations:

• Sanjeevani: One player in, one player out. This 40-minute game with a 5-minute break rewards the team that outs all their opponents with four extra points.
• Gaminee: Seven players per side, but once you’re out, you stay out until everyone on your team is out. The first team to achieve this wins a point, and the game continues until a set number of points are scored (5 or 7).
• Amar: Similar to Sanjeevani in timing, but players who are out remain on the field. Score a point for each opponent you tag “out.”
• Punjabi: This unique variation adds an extra layer of challenge with its circular field and focus on strategy and quick movements.

Kabaddi World Cup: Where the Best of the Best Clash

Witness the pinnacle of kabaddi skill at the Kabaddi World Cup, where national teams from around the globe compete for glory. India has dominated the indoor standard style competition so far, winning all three tournaments held in 2004, 2007, and 2016.

But with a new kabaddi organization established, the 2019 World Cup saw a record-breaking number of teams joining the action, showcasing the ever-growing popularity of this thrilling sport.

So, there you have it! From the lightning-fast raids of indoor kabaddi to the strategic circles of its outdoor variations, kabaddi offers a unique blend of athleticism, teamwork, and mental agility. Whether you’re a seasoned sports fan or simply looking for something new and exciting to watch, give kabaddi a try – you might just find yourself chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” along with the rest of the crowd!