What is Kabaddi? A Traditional Indian Sport Gaining Global Recognition

Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport that has been played for centuries and is still popular in many parts of the country today. In recent years, kabaddi has gained international recognition and has even become a part of major sporting events such as the Asian Games and the Kabaddi World Cup. In this article, we will take a closer look at what is Kabaddi, the history of kabaddi, the rules of the game, and how it is played.

What is Kabaddi? History of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is believed to have originated in ancient India and has been played for over 4,000 years. The word “kabaddi” is derived from the Tamil word “kai-pidi,” which means “holding hands.” The sport was originally used as a way to develop physical strength, speed, and agility, as well as to improve mental focus and concentration.

Kabaddi was traditionally played in rural areas and was often used as a form of entertainment during festivals and fairs. It was also used as a training exercise for soldiers and warriors to improve their combat skills. Over time, kabaddi spread to other parts of India and became a popular sport in schools and colleges.

Rules of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a team sport that is played on a rectangular court that is divided into two halves. Each team consists of seven players, with three additional players on the bench as substitutes. The objective of the game is for one player, known as the “raider,” to enter the opposing team’s half of the court, tag as many players as possible, and return to their own half without being tackled.

The raider must chant the word “kabaddi” continuously while in the opponent’s half to show that they are not holding their breath. If the raider is tackled by a defender or is unable to return to their own half before running out of breath, they are out and the opposing team earns a point.

The defenders, known as “stoppers,” must try to prevent the raider from tagging them by holding onto their opponent and not letting go. If the stoppers are able to hold onto the raider for a specified amount of time, they earn a point for their team. The game continues in this manner with each team taking turns raiding and defending until the end of the match.

How to Play Kabaddi?

To play kabaddi, each team takes turns sending a raider into the opponent’s half of the court. The raider must tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own half before running out of breath. The defenders must try to stop the raider by holding onto them and not letting go.

If the raider is able to return to their own half without being tackled, they earn a point for their team. If the raider is tackled or runs out of breath, they are out and the opposing team earns a point. The game continues with each team taking turns raiding and defending until the end of the match.

Kabaddi as a Professional Sport

In recent years, kabaddi has gained international recognition and has become a professional sport with leagues and tournaments held around the world. The Pro Kabaddi League, which was established in India in 2014, has helped to popularize the sport and attract top players from around the world.

The Kabaddi World Cup, which is held every four years, brings together teams from different countries to compete for the title of world champion. The sport has also been included in major multi-sport events such as the Asian Games, where it has garnered a large following and has helped to introduce kabaddi to a global audience.

Conclusion

Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport that has been played for centuries and continues to be popular in many parts of the country today. The sport’s unique combination of physical strength, speed, agility, and mental focus makes it a challenging and exciting game to watch and play.

With the growth of professional leagues and international tournaments, kabaddi has gained recognition on the global stage and has become a popular sport with fans around the world. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, kabaddi offers a thrilling and competitive experience that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.


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