Kabaddi Rules
Kabaddi Rules
Kabaddi, a contact sport deeply ingrained in Southern Asian culture, traces its roots back to Ancient India. Its popularity extends across the nation, officially recognized in states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Beyond India's borders, Kabaddi finds favor in Iran, holds the title of the national game in Bangladesh, and stands as a key sport in Nepal, where it's integrated into all state school curricula. The United Kingdom, home to Indian and Pakistani communities, witnesses the sport's governance by the England Kabaddi Federation UK.
The game manifests various regional iterations within India, encompassing Sanjeevani, Gaminee, Punjabi, and Amar versions, each offering nuanced interpretations of the game and its regulations. Similar games in India and abroad share an unmistakable kinship with Kabaddi, such as Bangladesh's Hadudu, the Maldives' Baibalaa, and Maharashtra's Hututu.
The stewardship of Kabaddi lies in the hands of the International Kabaddi Federation, an organization comprising over 30 national associations, diligently overseeing the game and its regulations globally.
Object of Kabaddi
The fundamental objective revolves around outscoring the opposing team within the stipulated time frame. Achieving this demands a dual approach of offense and defense. In the offensive phase, a raider infiltrates the opponent's half, scoring by touching one or more adversaries. On the defensive end, the aim is to apprehend the raider, either by wrestling them to the ground or preventing their return before their breath expires.
Players & Equipment
Kabaddi unfolds between two teams, each fielding twelve players, but only seven from each team actively participating at any given moment. The playing surface, measuring 13m x 10m, sees a white line partitioning it into halves for the opposing teams. From dedicated clay courts to makeshift grounds chalked out for play, Kabaddi adapts to diverse surfaces, sans the need for specialized equipment, attire, or accessories.
Scoring
Scoring in Kabaddi follows a straightforward mechanism. Teams earn a point for each opponent ousted from the game. Offensive scoring involves the raider touching opponents, while defensive scoring hinges on preventing the raider's return to their half.
Bonus points add an extra layer to Kabaddi's scoring dynamics. A raider secures an additional point by successfully touching the bonus line in the opponent's territory. When all opponents are declared out, the team earns three bonus points. Additionally, a point is awarded if any part of an opponent's body breaches the boundary.
Winning the Match
As the match concludes, the team with the highest point tally emerges victorious. In the event of a tie, where both teams boast an equal score, the game settles as a draw.
Rules of Kabaddi
- Each team comprises a maximum of 12 players, with only seven taking the field simultaneously.
- Due to Kabaddi's physical nature, matches adhere to age and weight categories.
- The officiating team includes six officials: a referee, a scorer, two assistant scorers, and two umpires.
- Matches unfold in two halves of 20 minutes each, accompanied by a 5-minute halftime break.
- A coin toss precedes the match, with the winning team choosing to initiate the first raid. In the second half, the team that didn't raid first commences the raid.
- To score while raiding, the raider must enter the opponent's half, tag opponents, and return to their own half before inhaling again.
- A successful defense requires the raider to continuously chant 'Kabaddi' to prove uninterrupted breath. Failure results in the raider returning without points, and the opposing team gains a defensive point.
- Defending teams aim to prevent raiders from tagging them and crossing the halfway line. Physical contact with raiders is limited to limbs or torso, prohibiting grabbing of hair, clothes, or other body parts. Defenders must refrain from crossing the center line.
- Teams alternate between raiding and defending, switching sides after halftime. The team that defended first in the initial half initiates the raid in the second half.
- The game continues until time elapses, with the team amassing the highest points declared the victor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Kabaddi only popular in South Asia?
- While its roots are in Southern Asia, Kabaddi has gained popularity globally, with communities in the UK and beyond embracing the sport.
2. Are there women's Kabaddi leagues?
- Yes, women actively participate in Kabaddi, and there are dedicated leagues and tournaments for female players.
3. What makes Sanjeevani Kabaddi unique?
- Sanjeevani Kabaddi introduces a revival element, allowing eliminated players to rejoin the game under specific conditions.
4. Are there international Kabaddi championships?
- Absolutely, the International Kabaddi Federation organizes global championships, fostering camaraderie and competition among nations.
5. Can Kabaddi be played professionally?
- Yes, professional Kabaddi leagues exist, attracting top-tier players and a massive fan base.