Kabaddi is an ancient Indian game which has become a worldwide known game. Kabaddi is a quick, action-filled and a game that requires stamina, agility and strategy. We will cover the kabaddi facts and regulations, kabaddi players, kabaddi regulations, kabaddi scoring and kabaddi tactics in this paper as an attempt to give a list of guidelines an amateur and a kabaddi enthusiast needs to know about the game.

What is Kabaddi?

Kabaddi is the team game, in which two teams play against each other and the goal is to score by dispatching a player to the opposing half of the court. The raider should be able to tag the opponents and come back safely holding his breath and chanting kabaddi, kabaddi. The other team attempts to grab the raider and ensure they do not come back.

Key Highlights:

• Developed in India and played for many centuries.
• Integrates strategy, strength and agility.
• Popular in South Asia and international contests.

Kabaddi has become a professional sport and there are even leagues like Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) where the best talent could be seen.

Kabaddi Court Dimensions

Interest Group	Men’s Court	Women’s Court
Court Length	13 meters	12 meters
Court Width	10 meters	8 meters
Midline	Divides court into halves	Same as men’s
Baulk Line	3.75 meters from midline	3.75 meters
Bonus Line	1 meter from baulk line	1 meter

 

Courts are generally located either indoors or on hard-packed clay, grass, or artificial surface.

Number of Players in Kabaddi

Kabaddi teams have a maximum of seven players on the court and five substitutes on the bench.

Player Roles:

• Raiders: Run in to the half of the opponent and take points.
• Defenders (Stoppers): Do not allow raiders to go back.
• All-Rounders: May raid and may defend.

It is permitted to take substitutes during a break or a change of tactics to save the energy and strategy.

How to Play Kabaddi

Basic Rules

• The beginning of the Game: The teams start alternating by placing a raider in the opposition half.

• The Objective of Raider: Lock in as many defenders as he/she can, and get back safely across the half chanting kabaddi.

• Defenders Objective: The raider must be held by tackles, which could be ankle hold, thigh hold or chain tackles.

• Time Limit: The professional matches take place in up to 30 seconds.

• Scoring:

• 1 point on each opponent tagged.
• 1 bonus point in case the raider crosses the bonus line.
• 1 point on a successful defence of the raider.

Important Rules:

• Raiders have to have a foot in the court.
• No holding of the garments of the opponent.
• At the raid shout kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi.

Scoring in Kabaddi

Action	Points	Notes
Successful raid	1 per opponent	Raider return home safely
Crossing bonus line	1	Raiders may get additional points
Stop raid	1	Defenders score when raider is caught
All-out	2 per player	Whole team out, bonus points

 

Electronic scoreboards are used to record points in professional matches.

Types of Kabaddi

• Standard Style: Played on a rectangular court with 7 players on each side (most used in PKL and Olympian).

• Circle Style: This is played in an oval field, usually in rural regions of India and Pakistan.

• Beach Kabaddi: Beach Kabaddi is played on the sand.

The both styles lay emphasis on physical fitness, speed and being tactical.

Popular Tactics and Strategies

For Raiders:

• Confuse the defenders with feint and speed.
• Get bonus points by passing the bonus line.
• Be sure to maintain a good chant rhythm to avoid penalties.

For Defenders:

• Stop raiders in a team tackled by coordinate.
• Monitor the hand movements of watch raider to predict tags.
• Keep a formation so that there are no easy escapes.

Teamwork and strategy are equally important in kabaddi as an aspect of physical strength.

Equipment Needed

• Court markings (lines and areas).
• Players Jersey and shorts.
• Shoes that are comfortable and good-grip.
• Official match scoreboard.
• Optional: Items like knee and elbow pads for extra safety.

Kabaddi needs minimum equipment and it is therefore available to schools, clubs, and community events.

Kabaddi Competitions and League

• Pro Kabaddi League (India): Franchise based professional league.
• Asian Games: Kabaddi is a medal sport at Asian Games.
• World Cup Kabaddi: National international competition.
• Local competitions: Community and school-based competition.

Such leagues have increased the popularity of the kabaddi game in other parts of the world which includes sponsorships and media coverage.

Playing Kabaddi: benefits

• Physical Fitness: It builds it in stamina, speed, strength and flexibility.
• Teamwork: Promote co-ordination and communication.
• Mental Agility: Mental Agility enhances decision making and reflexes.
• Teaching: Acquires obedience and being tactical.

Kabaddi is not just a game, but is also a cultural practice, which fosters a healthy and harmonious living.

How to play Kabaddi Game and Kabaddi Rules: Frequently Asked Question.

Q1. How many players are there in a kabaddi team?

Ans. There are 7 players and 5 substitutes on the court and the bench respectively.

Q2. What are the fundamentals of kabaddi?

Ans. The raiders have to mark enemies and make it back safely chanting “kabaddi.” The defender tries to prevent the raider by legal tackles.

Q3. How long does it take to play a kabaddi match?

Ans. The duration of two 20-minute halves is normally accompanied by a 5-minute-long halftime in professional matches.

Q4. How many bonus points in kabaddi?

Ans. When a raider goes across the bonus line in the other half without being taken out, he gets a bonus point.

Conclusion

Kabaddi is a fast moving and an exciting game of physical skill, strategy and teamwork. Learning rules of kabaddi, kabaddi facts, and kabaddi player numbers is necessary to know by beginners and enthusiasts.

Gallant Sports will facilitate the growth of kabaddi platforms such as courts, professional plans and coaching services to schools, clubs, and communities to raise the next generation of kabaddi stars.

Kabaddi is an excellent sport to add to the sports curriculum or recreational program because it enhances fitness, discipline, and cultural appreciation.