Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport that originated in ancient times and is now popular across South Asia. It is a contact team game played between two teams of seven players each. The objective is for a single player, known as the raider, to enter the opposing team\“s half, tag as many defenders as possible, and return to their own half without being tackled, all while holding their breath and chanting kabaddi repeatedly.
The basic rules include: the raider must cross the midline into the opponent\“s court and touch one or more defenders to score points; if the raider is caught by the defenders, they are out, and the opposing team earns a point; players are revived when their team scores points. The game is played in two halves of 20 minutes each, with a five-minute break in between. Teams switch sides after halftime. Additional rules cover boundaries, fouls, and substitutions, emphasizing agility, strength, and strategy.
Kabaddi has evolved with professional leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League in India, boosting its global appeal. It is not just a sport but a cultural product deeply rooted in Indian heritage, promoting physical fitness and teamwork. |
