Discover the excitement of Kabaddi, the ancient sport with fast-paced gameplay & intense physical competition. Learn about rules, tournaments, & more.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a contact sport originating from India, played between two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is for a player, referred to as a "raider," to go into the opponent's half of the court, tag as many of their players as possible, and return to their own half without getting tackled. Points are scored based on the number of players tagged and the raider's successful return.
The game is played on a rectangular court with a center line dividing it into two halves. Each team takes turns sending a raider into the opposing half to earn points. Defenders, or "anti pers," try to stop the raider by tackling them before they return to their own half.
Kabaddi requires strength, agility, and endurance as players must hold their breath while raiding and avoid getting tackled. It is a popular sport in India and has gained international recognition with the creation of the Pro Kabaddi League.
Rules
Here are some of the basic rules of Kabaddi:
1. Court size: A Kabaddi court is typically 13m x 10m.
2. The number of players: Each team consists of 7 players on the court, with the option to substitute players at any time.
3. The object of the game: The objective of the game is for one team, the raiders, to score points by touching opponents while they are in the opponent's half, and returning to their own half without being tackled. The other team, the defenders, aims to prevent the raiders from scoring by tackling them.
4. Starting the game: The game starts with one player from each team, called the raider, entering the opponent's half and trying to touch opponents and return to their own half.
5. Tackling: A tackle occurs when a defender touches the raider. If the raider is successfully tackled, they are out and the opposing team earns a point.
6. Bonus points: If the raider crosses the bonus line and touches one or more opponents, the raiding team earns an extra point.
7. Super tackle: A super tackle is a special type of tackle where two or more defenders tackle the raider simultaneously. It results in the raiding team losing a point and the defensive team earning two extra points.
8. All-out: An all-out occurs when a team loses all of its players on the court and is unable to send a raider into the opponent's half. The opposing team earns two points for an all-out.
8. Time-out: Each team is allowed one time-out per half, which lasts for one minute.
10. Scoring: Points are awarded for successful raids and tackles, as well as bonus points and super tackles. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Tournaments
Here are some of the major Kabaddi tournaments:
1. Kabaddi World Cup: The Kabaddi World Cup is the premier international tournament for the sport, held every four years. It features teams from countries around the world and is organized by the International Kabaddi Federation.
2. Pro Kabaddi League: The Pro Kabaddi League is a professional Kabaddi league in India, established in 2014. It features the best Kabaddi players from India and around the world, competing in a league format over several months.
3. Asian Games: Kabaddi is one of the sports included in the Asian Games, a multi-sport event held every four years. It features teams from Asian countries competing against each other.
4. Asian Kabaddi Championship: The Asian Kabaddi Championship is a regional tournament held every two years, featuring teams from countries in the Asian region.
5. European Kabaddi Championship: The European Kabaddi Championship is a regional tournament held every two years, featuring teams from countries in Europe.
6. South Asian Games: The South Asian Games is a regional multi-sport event held every two years, featuring teams from South Asian countries. Kabaddi is one of the sports included in the games.
7. National Championships: Many countries have their own national Kabaddi championships, featuring the best Kabaddi teams and players from that country.
History
Kabaddi is an ancient sport that has been played in South Asia for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in India and is popular in countries such as Bangladesh, Iran, and Pakistan.
The sport was first played competitively in India in the early 20th century and was later introduced to other countries. In the 1980s, Kabaddi became an official sport in India and was included in the Asian Games for the first time in 1990.
Kabaddi gained international recognition in the 21st century, with the formation of the International Kabaddi Federation in 2004 and the inclusion of the sport in the Asian Beach Games in 2008. The first Kabaddi World Cup was held in 2004, and the sport has since been included in various international competitions and leagues.
In recent years, Kabaddi has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in India, where it has become one of the country's most popular sports. The Pro Kabaddi League, a professional Kabaddi league in India, was established in 2014 and has been a major factor in the sport's growth and popularity.
FAQ Related Kabaddi
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Kabaddi:
What is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is a contact sport originating from India where two teams of seven players each compete to score points by raiding into the opponent's half of the court and tagging as many players as possible before returning to their own half.
How do you play Kabaddi?
The game is played on a rectangular court divided into two halves. One team sends a raider into the opponent's half to tag as many players as possible and return to their own half without getting tackled. Points are scored based on the number of players tagged and the raider's successful return.
What are the rules of Kabaddi?
The rules of Kabaddi include the number of players on each team, the size of the court, and the scoring system. Other rules include restrictions on tackles, hand touch and foot touch, and out-of-bounds.
What are the required skills for playing Kabaddi?
Kabaddi requires strength, agility, and endurance as players must hold their breath while raiding and avoid getting tackled. Good hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and teamwork are also important skills for players.
Is Kabaddi played internationally?
Yes, Kabaddi has gained international recognition and is played in countries such as Iran, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Japan, among others. There is also an international Kabaddi federation and international tournaments.
What is the origin of Kabaddi?
Kabaddi originated in ancient India and is thought to have been played for thousands of years. It is a popular sport in rural areas and is played in many countries throughout South Asia.
What is the Pro Kabaddi League?
The Pro Kabaddi League is a professional Kabaddi league in India that features top Kabaddi players from around the country. The league has helped to popularize the sport and has increased its visibility both nationally and internationally.
How long is a Kabaddi match?
A Kabaddi match typically lasts 40 minutes, split into two halves of 20 minutes each. There are usually five-minute breaks between halves.
What is a super tackle in Kabaddi?
A super tackle is a special type of tackle in Kabaddi where two or more defenders tackle the raider simultaneously. It results in the raiding team losing a point and the defensive team earning two extra points.
What is an all-out in Kabaddi?
An all-out occurs when a team loses all of its players on the court and is unable to send a raider into the opponent's half. The opposing team earns two points for an all-out.
What equipment is needed to play Kabaddi?
A Kabaddi court, a Kabaddi ball, and a line marker are the only equipment needed to play Kabaddi. Some players also wear knee pads and elbow pads for protection.
What is a bonus line in Kabaddi?
A bonus line is a line on the court that is parallel to the center line and is located about halfway between the center line and the back line. If a raider crosses the bonus line and touches one or more players, the raiding team earns an extra point.
How many substitutions are allowed in Kabaddi?
Each team is allowed to make unlimited substitutions during the course of the game. Substitutions can be made after a point is scored or at the start of each half.
What is the difference between Kabaddi and Circle Kabaddi?
Circle Kabaddi is a variation of traditional Kabaddi where the court is circular instead of rectangular. The rules and objectives of the game are largely the same, but the circular court adds an extra challenge for players.
Is Kabaddi a physical sport?
Yes, Kabaddi is a physically demanding sport as players must engage in grappling and physical contact with opponents while raiding and defending. It requires strength, agility, and endurance.
Can Kabaddi be played indoors or outdoors?
Kabaddi can be played both indoors and outdoors. Indoor courts are typically smaller in size and have a cushioned floor to reduce the risk of injury, while outdoor courts can be larger and made of dirt or grass.
What is the difference between men's and women's Kabaddi?
There is no difference in the rules of men's and women's Kabaddi. However, women's Kabaddi is typically played on a smaller court with a lighter ball.
Is Kabaddi a team sport or an individual sport?
Kabaddi is a team sport where players work together to score points and prevent their opponents from scoring. While individual skills and performance are important, teamwork is crucial in Kabaddi.
What is the role of the referee in Kabaddi?
The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, including calling fouls and awarding points. The referee also keeps track of the score and time and makes decisions on disputes between players.
How is the winner of a Kabaddi match determined?
The winner of a Kabaddi match is the team with the most points at the end of the game. If the scores are tied, the game can go into overtime. In some cases, a tiebreaker may be used to determine the winner.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is an ancient sport that has been played in South Asia for thousands of years. It is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport that requires strength, agility, and endurance from its players. Over the years, Kabaddi has gained recognition and popularity on the international stage, with the establishment of the International Kabaddi Federation, the inclusion of the sport in various international competitions, and the creation of professional leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League in India. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, Kabaddi offers a thrilling and exciting experience that is sure to captivate audiences.
