Kabaddi: The Virtual Home of Kabaddi

Kabaddi Game

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Kabaddi is a strenuous traditional outdoor combative sport.

Kabbadi game is believed to be originated in India more than 4000 years ago.

This sport is called “Kabaddi” in India and Pakistan, “Hađuđu” in Bangladesh, “do-do” in Nepal, “Guddu” in Sri Lanka, “chado-guddo” in Malaysia, “Zoo” in Iran, and “techib” in Indonesia.

Kabbadi has spread around the globe and is played in 51 countries.

Kabaddi is the national game of Bangladesh, and the state game of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh in India.

History of Kabaddi

There are many theories on the creation of Kabbadi however, the most popular relates to Hindi epic hero, Abhimanyu. Legend has it that he broke through the Chakravyuha formed by Cauravas during the Mahabharta but was killed during the battle on his way out.

Kabaddi game is believed to be created in remembrance of Abhimanyu, his courage and gallant.

It is also believed that this game was invented to establish techniques of defense in an individual against group attacks and to co-ordinate group’s response to individual attacks.

Kabaddi Styles

Although there are various forms of Kabbadi played around the globe, there are only three forms that are recognized by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF):

National/Asian Style Kabaddi

This is the most widely played version of the game. A team comprises of twelve kabaddi players, seven playing and five in reserve. Kabaddi matches are played over forty minutes with a five minute interval after twenty minutes of play.

Beach Style Kabaddi

This form of Kabbadi is the newest version of the game. Since most of the beach games are ball games, this form of Kabbadi has given a new option to the beach goers.

Due to its simple rules and no equipment required, it has gained unprecedented popularity in certain countries.

A Kabbadi match of this form is played over thirty minutes with a five minute interval at the half way mark.

Circle/Punjab/Punjabi/Ring Style Kabaddi

This form of Kabbadi is very popular in the Indian state of Punjab and other countries where Punjabi’s have migrated. Circle Style Kabaddi match is played over forty minutes with a five minute interval after twenty minutes of play.

It differs from National and Beach Style by the fact that offence and defense are both individual efforts.

Rules of the Game: Kabaddi Rules

Kabaddi game is the only sport that requires no equipment whatsoever. Kabaddi rules are very easy to comprehend, part of the reason for this games immense popularity in rural areas.

Kabaddi Matches are staged on the basis of age and weight.

All three forms of Kabadi have different set of rules and regulations, with minor variations. However, core idea of the game is the same. A single players raids into the opponent’s court and successfully returns to the home court after touching at least one player in thirty seconds and a single breath.

Kabaddi Players

A Kabaddi team comprises of Raiders and Antis or Stoppers.

A Raider is the one who goes to the opponent’s court chanting the word “Kabaddi” and returns to home court within thirty seconds and one breath in order to score a point.

An Anti or a Stopper is the one who stops the Raider from returning back to his/her home court and keeps in his/her court for a period of thirty seconds.

Kabadi requires immense physical stamina, Individual proficiency, neuromuscular coordination, Lung capacity, quick reflexes, Intelligence, Agility, Strength and Speed on part of both Raiders and Stoppers.

Unique Features

Some of the features that make Kabaddi game unique are:

No equipment is required to play a Kabaddi match. It can be played indoor or outdoor on a soft turf.
It’s National and Beach Style is the only combative sport where offence is an individual effort while defense is a group effort.
It is sometimes referred to as breathless game. Action happens in intervals of thirty seconds. A Raider has this much time to go to the opponent’s court chanting the word “Kabaddi” and return to home court in a single breath.