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The first Asian Kabaddi Championship was held in Kolkata, India, in 1980, marking a significant milestone in promoting this traditional Indian sport across Asia. Kabaddi, originating from ancient India, is a team contact sport that combines elements of wrestling and tag, deeply rooted in Indian culture and rural traditions. It involves two teams taking turns to send a “raider“ into the opponent\“s half to tag defenders while chanting “kabaddi“ without taking a breath. This championship helped popularize Kabaddi internationally, leading to its inclusion in major events like the Asian Games. Over the years, India has dominated the sport, winning multiple titles, and the championship has fostered regional camaraderie and sports development. The event not only showcased India\“s rich sporting heritage but also boosted local economies through tourism and infrastructure improvements. Today, Kabaddi continues to evolve, with professional leagues attracting global audiences, and the first Asian Championship remains a proud moment in sports history. |