Kabaddi is a contact team sport that originated in India. It involves two teams taking turns to send a “raider” into the opponent’s half to tag players and return safely while holding their breath and chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi”.

• Each team has 7 players on court and up to 5 substitutes.
• Teams can rotate players during the match as per rules.

• A raider enters the opponent’s half to tag defenders.
• The raider must chant “kabaddi” without inhaling until they return.
• If tagged defenders are touched and the raider returns, they are out.
• If the raider is stopped, tackled, or runs out of breath, the raider is out.

• Raid points: A raider scores by tagging defenders.
• Tackle points: Defenders score by stopping a raider.
• Bonus points: Awarded in special situations (e.g., crossing the bonus line when allowed).
• All-out: If all players of a team are dismissed, the opposing team gets extra points.

A standard match has two halves of 20 minutes each with a 5-minute break in between.

• Standard Kabaddi – Played on a rectangular indoor court (used in Pro Kabaddi & international events).
• Circle Kabaddi – Played outdoors in a circular field (popular in Punjab & rural areas).
• Beach Kabaddi – Played on sand.

Not yet. Kabaddi is recognized internationally and is played in Asian Games, but it has not been included in the Olympics.

Kabaddi is popular in India, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and is growing in countries like Kenya, Canada, USA, UK.

• Builds strength, speed, agility, and stamina.
• Improves reflexes and coordination.
• Enhances teamwork and mental toughness.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is India’s professional Kabaddi league, launched in 2014. It has made Kabaddi globally popular with modern formats, star players, and televised matches.