Kabaddi is a fast-paced team sport that combines strength, strategy, and agility. It is played between two teams, each with seven players on the court.
Basic Objective
- A player from one team (the raider) runs into the opponent's half to tag as many defenders as possible without being caught, then return to their side safely.
- The raider must chant "Kabaddi, Kabaddi" continuously during the raid to show they are not inhaling.
- Each successful tag = 1 point for the raider's team.
- If the raider is caught and cannot return, the opposing team gets 1 point.
Court Setup
- The court is divided into two halves.
- Each team occupies one half.
Rules of Raiding
- Only one raider enters the opponent's half at a time.
- The raider must chant without stopping.
- The raider must return to their own half before losing breath or being tackled.
- If the raider successfully returns, all defenders they touched are out.
Rules of Defense
- Defenders try to block, hold, or tackle the raider.
- They must stop the raider from returning to their half.
- A defender becomes "out" if the raider touches them and returns safely.
Getting Players Back
- For every opponent you get out, one of your own "out" players returns to the game.
Winning the Game
- A match usually has two halves (20 minutes each with a break).
- The team with the higher score at the end wins.
- Bonus points and all-out points (when the entire team is eliminated) can increase the score.