Kabaddi is a traditional Indian contact sport that originated in ancient India and is now popular throughout South Asia. The game is played between two teams of seven players each, with the objective being for a single player from the attacking team to enter the opposing team\“s half, tag as many defenders as possible, and return to their own half without being tackled.
The most unique aspect of Kabaddi is that the raider must hold their breath and continuously chant “kabaddi, kabaddi“ during the entire raid to prove they are not inhaling. This adds an element of breath control and endurance to the game. Points are scored by tagging opponents or by defenders successfully stopping the raider from returning to their side.
Kabaddi requires no special equipment and can be played on various surfaces, making it accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The sport has gained international recognition and now features professional leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League in India, which has helped popularize this indigenous Indian sport globally. |
