Kabaddi Rules

Kabaddi player being tackled.
People playing Kabaddi and being tackled. Credit: By Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71982072

Introduction to the Rules of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is an ancient Indian team sport that is gaining popularity around the world. It is a contact sport that requires two teams of seven players each and a court with two halves. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team within the allotted time. The rules of kabaddi are quite simple and easy to learn. The game is played by two teams of seven members each, with each team having three defenders, three raiders, and one libero. The game is played on a rectangular court with two halves, divided by a midline.

Rules of Kabbadi

Field and Equipment

Kabaddi is played on a rectangular court measuring 12.5m by 10m, with a midline separating the two halves. The court is divided into two halves; one side is known as the ‘raiding side’, while the other side is known as the ‘defending side’. The court is also marked with two lines; a ‘baulk line’ and a ‘lobby line’. The players must stay within the court boundaries at all times. The equipment needed for the game includes a kabaddi mat, two sets of colored vests (one for each team), and a whistle.

Teams

Kabaddi is played by two teams of seven players each. Each team is made up of three defenders, three raiders, and one libero. The defenders stay in the defending side of the court, while the raiders move between the two sides of the court. The libero is a defensive player who can move freely between the two sides of the court.

Duration of the Game

Kabaddi is played in two halves, with each half lasting 20 minutes. There is a 5-minute break between the halves. The team with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Starting the Game

The game starts with the two teams facing each other at the midline of the court. The referee will toss a coin to decide which team will start the game. The team that wins the toss will choose to either start the game as the attackers or the defenders. The attacking team will send one of its players, known as the ‘raider’, to the other side of the court. The defender’s job is to stop the raider from returning to the midline.

Scoring

When a raider enters the opposing team’s court, he will attempt to tag the defenders and return to his side of the court. If the raider is successful in tagging the defenders and returning to his side of the court, his team is awarded one point. If the raider is unsuccessful in tagging the defenders, his team will lose one point.

Fouls and Penalties

There are various fouls and penalties that can be given in kabaddi. These include holding, blocking, and crossing the lobby line. If a player commits a foul, the referee can award a penalty to the opposing team. The penalty can vary from a free hit to a point deduction. The referee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Variations of Kabbadi

Circle Kabbadi

Circle Kabbadi is a variation of the traditional Kabbadi game. It is played in a circular format on an even surface. The size of the circle and the number of players may vary depending on the game being played. The two teams are divided into two circles, with each team taking turns in the centre of the circle. The objective of the game is to capture and tag members of the opposing team while staying within the boundaries of the circle. The team with the most players tagged at the end of the game is declared the winner.

The rules of Circle Kabbadi are similar to those of the traditional version. The players must tag their opponents using the same hand and foot movements as in the traditional game. However, the circular format of the game allows for more strategic play. Players must use their agility and speed to outmaneuver their opponents and stay within the boundaries of the circle. Additionally, the teams must work together to create openings and opportunities for their team members to tag the opponents.

Circle Kabbadi is a popular variation of Kabbadi, particularly in India and Pakistan. It is often played in schools and universities as a fun and competitive sport. It is also a popular game at festivals and other celebrations, where the game is often accompanied by music and singing.

Beach Kabbadi

Beach Kabbadi is a variation of the traditional game that is played on the beach. It is similar to Circle Kabbadi, except that the game is played on the sand of the beach instead of a circle. The game is usually played with two teams of five players each, and the objective of the game is the same as the traditional version: to capture and tag members of the opposing team.

The rules of Beach Kabbadi are similar to those of the traditional version. The teams must still use the same hand and foot movements to tag their opponents. However, the sand of the beach provides a unique challenge for the players. The sand is not as stable as a hard surface, and it is more difficult to move quickly and to keep balance. Additionally, the players must be aware of the waves and the tides, as these can affect the game.

Beach Kabbadi is a popular variation of the traditional game in many countries. It is a great way to enjoy the beach and also have a competitive game with friends. The game is often accompanied by music, singing, and dancing, which adds to the excitement and fun of the game.

Indo-Pak Kabbadi

Indo-Pak Kabbadi is a variation of Kabbadi that is played between teams from India and Pakistan. The game is played according to the same rules as the traditional version, but with certain variations. The teams are divided into two groups, with each team comprising five players. The objective of the game is to capture and tag members of the opposing team while staying within the boundaries of the court.

The rules of Indo-Pak Kabbadi are similar to those of the traditional version. The players must use the same hand and foot movements to tag their opponents. However, the teams must also be aware of the cultural differences between the two countries. The players must adhere to the cultural norms of both countries, and respect the rules and traditions of the game. Additionally, the teams are expected to display sportsmanship and good behavior throughout the game.

Indo-Pak Kabbadi is a popular variation of the traditional game. It is often played at festivals and other events to bring people from both countries together. The game is a great way to foster understanding and respect between the two countries, and to promote peace and unity.

Conclusion

Kabaddi is an exciting and fascinating sport that has been enjoyed by many generations. It is a game of strategy and skill, requiring players to use their agility, strength, and stamina to battle one another. The rules of Kabaddi are simple yet intricate, allowing for a variety of strategies and tactics to be employed. The goal of the game is to score more points than your opponent and to be the last team standing. Kabaddi is also a team sport, requiring players to cooperate and work together in order to make sure they come out on top.

Kabaddi is a great sport to watch or to play. It is an ancient game that has endured for centuries and its popularity continues to grow. It is an exciting and intense game that can bring out the best in its players. The rules of Kabaddi are designed to ensure that the game is fair and that all players have an equal chance of winning. Whether you are a spectator or a competitor, Kabaddi can be a thrilling experience that is sure to entertain.

Kabaddi is a great way to stay active and have fun. It is a game that anyone can play regardless of their age, gender, or skill level. It is a game of strategy and skill, and its simple rules ensure that everyone can enjoy the game. So, if you are looking for an exciting and challenging game to play, why not give Kabaddi a try?