Kabaddi is a traditional contact sport that originated in ancient India and remains immensely popular across the Indian subcontinent. The sport involves two teams of seven players each, where one player, known as the “raider,“ enters the opposing team\“s half to tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own half, all while holding their breath and chanting “kabaddi.“
In India, kabaddi is not just a sport but a cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in rural traditions. It is played in various forms across different states, with the Pro Kabaddi League （PKL） bringing a professional and modernized version to urban audiences. Local products associated with kabaddi include handmade jute mats used as playing surfaces, traditional attire like shorts and vests, and locally crafted trophies and medals for tournaments.
The sport promotes physical fitness, agility, and teamwork, and it is often played in villages during festivals and community gatherings. Indian companies also produce kabaddi equipment such as knee pads, ankle supports, and training gear, supporting both amateur and professional players. Kabaddi\“s simplicity and minimal equipment requirements make it accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, reinforcing its status as a beloved indigenous sport. |
