Kabaddi is a traditional sport which is quite popular in world including India and Bangladesh . This game can be played outdoor in an open space or indoor under the controlled environment like basketball. Though the game was originated in India, but nowadays it is popular in many other countries worldwide.
In modern times, Kabaddi has gained recognition at the national and international level, and the sport is now played in professional leagues and tournaments. This is national game of Bangladesh and second most viewed sport in India after Cricket. Other Asian countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran, Thailand, Malaysia also prompt and play the game of Kabaddi on different occasions.
Not only this, the sport of Kabaddi is also now popular in other parts of world like USA, Canada, Australia, England, Argentina, New Zealand, Kenya, and Denmark.
Let’s know more about Kabaddi game like Kabaddi history, What are the rules? How it is played? Timing, Techniques and a lot more in detail below:
History and Origin of Kabaddi
Kabaddi has deep roots in the Indian subcontinent and regarding this you can also find in the ancient books or mythological books. It is believed that Kabaddi began about 4,000 – 6,000 years ago. Many scholars believe that Kabaddi is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, where Arjuna participated in this game in Draupadi’s Swayamvara and he learned the skills of Kabaddi from Lord Krishna himself.
According to historians, the ancient name of Kabaddi was ‘Hu-Tu-Tu’. This name was derived from the words spoken continuously by the player while holding his breath. Over time, this game came to be known by different names in different regions, such as ‘Chedugudu’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Hu-Tu-Tu’ in Maharashtra.
Types of Kabaddi
In different part of world or in India, you may find different variations of Kabaddi game, but there are three main categories and these are:
International Kabaddi
This is standard form of Kabaddi having court size around 13×10 meters and divided into 2 equal halves. On both side, there is Baulk Line (to initiate ride), and closer to the opponent’s side there is a Bonus line (for extra points if 6-7 players are in the opponent’s team). You can also see lobbies!
This type of Kabaddi is played with official international rules, means there would 12 players in each team and only 7 will play at one time and reaming 5 would be substitutes. The raider has to chant the Kabaddi Kabaddi for 30 seconds, and first needs to cross the Baulk Line to initiate ride.
Meanwhile the players of opponent’s team will try to catch the raider to earn 1 point so he could not go back in their court. But if raider tags any player of opponent’s team or a number of players and gets back to court then the opponents team players will get out and scores will be awarded to raider team.
Circle Kabaddi
It is popular in Punjab and Haryana and is played in a circle ground. Instead of a rectangle shape court, the ground is in the circle shape having diameter around 22 meters and there is no such line like Baulk line and Bonus line also there are no lobbies. It is just a simple circle shape ground.
Number of players are 12, but at one time 8 players play in circle Kabaddi instead of 7!
In addition to that , “Kabaddi Kabaddi ” chanting is not must and 1 more thing is, in Circle kabaddi… only 1 member from defending team is allowed to catch raider so he/she can’t go back to court. Multiple players are not allowed to tackle the raider else it would be foul.
Goti Kabaddi
As compared to the International Kabaddi and Circle Kabaddi, the Goti Kabaddi is played in a smaller area and hence this type of Kabaddi variation requires quick movements and sharp turns. Additionally the rules are quite similar, and it is played in Maharashtra and Gujarat during the festivals and community gatherings.
Kabaddi Ground and Timing
Ground
The Kabaddi ground is rectangular, measuring 13 meters in length and 10 meters in width. This ground is divided into 2 equal halves, one for each team. These dimensions are as per the internation standard of Kabaddi game and in every league or local tournament you can find the Kabaddi court size of 13 by 10 meters.
In addition to that the ground of Kabaddi is divided with a line in 2 equal halves so the players can stay safe in their zone. If if talk about he court, then you will find that the half of court also divided with some lines. These lines are basically called the Baulk line and Bonus Line as shown in the image below.
So what is Baulk Line vs Bonus Line in Kabaddi Game?
Baulk Line: To initiate a raid, there is baulk line which a raider must cross first only for 1 time with foot. Once this is done, the raider try to touch the members of the opposing team.
Bonus Line: There is another bonus line, and if raider crosses it with one foot while other in air then the raider’s team gets 1 score as bonus point even the raider doesn’t touch any member of opponent team.
Note: This bonus point rule applies only when there are six or more players on the mat in defending team.
Playing Time
A Kabaddi match is of 40 minutes, divided into two halves, each halve is of 20 minutes. There is a 5-minute break at half-time. In case the match ties, 2 rounds of extra 5 minutes is given. Hence total timing of a Kabaddi match including 5-minute break can vary from 45 minutes to 55 minutes!
Kabaddi rules
The rules of Kabaddi game are simple, but players need speed and skill while playing. As a beginner you must know about these 5 simple rules:
- Raider’s task: A raider tries to go to the opponent’s side and touch them and return to his side without getting caught. Raider can initiate raid by crossing the Baulk line. Raider tag will be considered valid if he/she first crosses the Baulk line and raider must continue chant “Kabaddi-Kabaddi”.
- Touching and scoring: The number of players the raider touches and returns safely, the more points he gets. If raiders touches 2 players and get back in their court and 2 points will be awarded to team.
- Catch and out: If the players of the opponent team catch the raider and do not let him come back, the raider is out.
- Holding breath: The raider has to hold his breath and keep saying “kabaddi-kabaddi” after going to the opposition’s side. If he runs out of breath or stops saying “kabaddi-kabaddi”, he is considered out.
- Bonus line: If a raider successfully crosses the bonus line while there are six or more defenders on the court, raider earns an additional point, even if they don’t tag any opponent
Interesting facts about Kabaddi
Kabaddi in Olympics
Kabaddi was showcased as an exhibition performance prior to the Games in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. But it is not yet officially played in any Olympic games so far. The reasons are, it is currently limited to few countries and it lacks the same level of professionalization and infrastructure as many Olympic sports.
Pro Kabaddi League
The Pro Kabaddi League, which started in 2014, has taken this sport to new heights. Indian and foreign players participated in it and it got great success. After cricket like IPL, It has become the second most watched sports tournament in India and it is played every year and so far its 10 editions have been completed.
Women’s Kabaddi
Kabaddi is not only a men’s game. Women’s Kabaddi is also played at the international level and the performance of the Indian women’s team has been excellent in it. Even women kabaddi is also played at state and district level in many Indian states and you can watch some clips on YouTube.
Nation Game of Bangladesh
Although the origin country of Kabaddi is India, it is not the national sport of India. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh and is popularly known as Ha-Du-Du. Since this sport is played in every city, town and village and many people love to play it, the country has declared it as its national sport.
Kabaddi World Cup
So far Kabaddi world cup is played for 4 times in men and women category in year 2004, 2007, 2012, and 2016. And in each season India won this cup. Here’s a quick summary:
- Men Kabaddi world cup: 2004, 2007, 2016
- Women kabaddi world cup: 2012
Techniques of playing Kabaddi
Kabaddi requires many techniques and skills. You can not learn these skills by watching videos or learning stuff in books. You have to practice it again and again on ground under the guidance of coach or senior players and then you can master these techniques which help to win game.
- Raiding Technique: The raider must be fast and agile. He has to plan to touch the opposition players and return safely very quickly in their court.
- Defending Technique: The defenders have to work in a group to catch the raider. They have to anticipate the speed and movement of the raider.
- Mozambique Technique: This is a special technique in which the raider turns quickly and touches the defenders and returns.
How is the game of Kabaddi played?
The game of Kabaddi is played between 2 teams and each team has 12 players. Out of them only 7 players play the game while the 5 additional players are on the bench as the substitutes.
The playing field is 13 x 10 meters which is divided into two equal parts by the middle line. In addition to that, there is a baulk link and bonus line which a raider use to initiate the raid and to get extra points respectively. We have explained about the baulk link and bonus line above, so please read it!
The main objective of the game is to enter the opponent’s area, touch their players and return safely to their area. This process is called ‘Raid’. The raider has to do all this in a single breath, for which he keeps saying ‘Kabaddi-Kabaddi’ continuously.
So once the raider is ready, he/she will start chanting the ‘Kabaddi-Kabaddi’ for 30 seconds and first to initiate the raid, the raider will cross baulk link.
The players of the opposing team try to catch the raider. If they catch the raider and do not let him go out of their area, they get a point. But if the raider tags some and returns successfully , his team gets the point.
Meanwhile, if raider crosses the bonus line (only valid if 6-7 players are in the opponent’s court) and returns successfully without tagging then still the raider’s team will get 1 point.
Now once raider in their zone, its time for opponent. Now they will send one of their member to raid and the same process will be done. The target is to get more and more score by eliminating the opponents players and for this you have to either catch their all players or tag there players.
After 20 minutes, the sides will be switched and the game will continue for next 20 minutes.
In case the match score is same or match gets tie, then 2 rounds of 5 minutes will be granted and here the match will be player for 10 more minutes.
If the match is tied again, then the team which has scored more points first is declared the winner.
Benefits of Kabaddi
Kabaddi is not only an exciting sport, but it is also very beneficial for health. This sport has both physical and mental benefits. You can keep your mental skills high and also take your body fitness to next level.
- Physical fitness: Kabaddi is a high-intensity sport that promotes cardiovascular health.
- Agility and flexibility: Rapid movements are required during the game, which keeps the body fit.
- Mental concentration: The need to make strategies and make quick decisions keeps the brain active.
- Team spirit: It is a team sport that develops a sense of cooperation and teamwork.
- Confidence: Players’ confidence increases when they get success during the game.
Global spread of Kabaddi
Although Kabaddi has its roots in India, it has now become a global sport. Kabaddi was included in the Asian Games for the first time in 2004. Since then, this sport is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Today the game of Kabaddi is played in many countries of Asia, Europe, Africa and America. According to the World Kabaddi Federation, Kabaddi is played in more than 50 countries of the world and in future it will reach to many more countries.
As the global warming increasing day by day, the game of Kabaddi can become the first choice of people in many countries because it can be easily played inside the controlled environment just like basketball.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is a sport that reflects the heritage of Indian culture. It is a sport in which a wonderful blend of physical strength, mental agility and strategic thinking is seen. In the modern era, this sport has not only made its mark, but has also waved its flag at the global level.
The growing popularity of Kabaddi is a testament to how a traditional sport can remain relevant even in the modern age. The sport is not just a means of entertainment, but it is also a great medium to promote fitness, teamwork and strategic thinking.
In the times to come, Kabaddi is expected to grow even more and make its mark globally. The sport is an important part of Indian culture and its popularity is a testament to how traditional values and modern sportsmanship can come together to provide a great experience.
