Kabaddi
Traditional South Asian contact team sport played between two teams.
Kabaddi is a contact team sport played between two teams of seven players, originating in South Asia. It is one of the traditional games of the region, popular in South Asia and nearby Asian countries, and is the national sport of Bangladesh.
- Type
- Contact team sport
- Teams
- Two teams of seven players each
- Origin
- South Asia (accounts found in ancient India)
- National sport of
- Bangladesh
- Major forms
- Punjabi kabaddi (circle style) and standard/rectangular style
- Governing bodies
- International Kabaddi Federation, World Kabaddi Federation, World Kabaddi
Lore & Background
Kabaddi is a contact team sport played between two teams of seven players. It is one of the traditional games of South Asia. In the game, a raider enters the opposing half of the court to tag the defenders and attempt to return within 30 seconds without being tackled. Points are awarded for successful tags, while defenders earn a point for tackling the raider. Tagged or tackled players are temporarily out but can re-enter when their team scores. Raids alternate between teams throughout the game. It is popular in South Asia and nearby Asian countries. Although accounts of kabaddi are found in ancient India, the game was popularised as a competitive sport in the 20th century. It is the national sport of Bangladesh. It is the third most popular and viewed sport in India after cricket and football. It is the state game of the Indian states of Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. There are two major forms: 'Punjabi kabaddi', also called 'circle style', consists of the traditional forms of the sport that are played outdoors on a circular field, and the 'standard/rectangular style', which is played indoors on a rectangular court, and is played in major professional leagues and international competitions such as the Asian Games.
Reader's Guide
Kabaddi's significance lies in its deep roots in South Asian culture and its evolution into a formalized competitive sport. The game is known by numerous names across the Indian subcontinent, reflecting its widespread traditional practice. Modern kabaddi was synthesized from various regional forms, with the first organized competitions occurring in the 1920s and the first framework of rules prepared in Maharashtra in the 1920s. The sport has multiple variations, including standard style, Punjabi kabaddi, beach kabaddi, and indoor kabaddi, each with distinct rules. International governance is provided by the International Kabaddi Federation, the World Kabaddi Federation, and World Kabaddi, which have organized World Cup competitions. Kabaddi remains the national sport of Bangladesh and is the third most popular sport in India.
Did You Know?
- The term 'kabaddi' is from a Tamil word composed of 'Kai' and 'Pidi', meaning 'to hold hands'.
- The first framework of rules for kabaddi was prepared in Maharashtra in the 1920s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is a traditional contact team sport from South Asia in which two sides of seven players compete on a shared court. It is recognized as the national sport of Bangladesh and remains a major grassroots game across the region.
How many players are on a Kabaddi team?
Each team fields seven players at a time, making the contest a seven-versus-seven affair. Because it is a contact sport, physical engagement between opponents is an integral part of every raid.
Where did Kabaddi originate?
The sport traces its roots to South Asia, with references to the game appearing in ancient Indian accounts. It has since spread to neighboring Asian countries and continues to be widely played throughout the region.
What are the main styles of Kabaddi?
The two principal forms are Punjabi kabaddi, played inside a circular arena, and the standard rectangular-court version. Both fall under the umbrella of governing bodies such as the International Kabaddi Federation and the World Kabaddi Federation.
Why is Kabaddi culturally significant in South Asia?
It is one of the region's oldest traditional competitive games and holds official national-sport status in Bangladesh. Its deep historical roots and broad grassroots following make it a defining part of South Asian sporting identity.
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