History of Kabaddi
Origins and Early Development:
- Ancient Roots: Kabaddi is an ancient sport originating in India, with references dating back over 4,000 years. It is believed to have been developed to boost physical strength and defense skills.
- Modern Kabaddi: The sport was formalized in the early 20th century and has since grown in popularity, particularly in South Asia.
Rules and Governance:
- National Style: The most recognized style is Sanjeevani Kabaddi.
- Pro Kabaddi League: Established in 2014, it has significantly increased the sport’s popularity and brought professional structure to Kabaddi.
Notable Championships:
- Pro Kabaddi League Titles: Jaipur Pink Panthers won the 2022 title.
- Asian Games: Kabaddi has been a part of the Asian Games since 1990, with India being a dominant force in the sport.
Key Awards:
- Dronacharya Award: Sunil Dabas, a prominent Indian women’s Kabaddi coach, received the award for her contributions to the sport.
Key Organizations:
- Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI): Governs Kabaddi in India, established in 1973.
- International Kabaddi Federation (IKF): Governs international competitions and events.
Measurement and Dimension of Kabaddi Court
- Court Length: 13 meters
- Court Width: 10 meters
- Bonus Line: Marked 1 meter from the baulk line.
Kabaddi Gear
- Attire: Players wear shorts and vests, allowing free movement.
- Footwear: Lightweight shoes with good grip are recommended.
- Protective Gear: Optional knee and elbow pads for additional protection.
Rules of Kabaddi
Team Composition:
- Each Kabaddi team consists of 7 players on the court with up to 5 substitutes.
Match Structure:
- Duration: Each match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a 5-minute break in between.
- Objective: The main objective is for the raider to enter the opponent’s half, tag one or more defenders, and return to their own half without being tackled.
Scoring:
- Touch Points: Awarded when a raider touches an opponent and returns to their half.
- Bonus Points: Earned when a raider crosses the bonus line with at least one foot while the other is in the air, given there are six or more defenders on the court.
- Lona (All-Out): An additional 2 points awarded to the team for getting all opponents out.
Timeouts and Breaks:
- Each team is allowed two timeouts per half.
Substitutions:
- Teams can make up to 5 substitutions during the match.
Officials:
- Referee: Controls the match, enforces rules, and makes decisions.
- Umpires: Assist the referee in enforcing rules and making decisions.
- Scorers and Timekeepers: Maintain the official score and manage the match clock.
Fouls and Violations:
- Cant: The raider must chant “Kabaddi” repeatedly without breaking it while raiding.
- Illegal Holds: Using unsafe holds can result in points awarded to the opponent and warnings to the player.
Notable Championships and Awards
Pro Kabaddi League:
- A professional league in India that has significantly increased the sport’s popularity, with notable teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates.
Asian Games:
- Kabaddi is a regular feature, with India dominating the sport historically.
World Cup:
- Organized by the International Kabaddi Federation, featuring teams from across the globe.
Notable Players:
- Arjun Deshwal: Renowned Kabaddi player known for his excellent raiding skills.
- Pardeep Narwal: Holds records for most points in a single Pro Kabaddi League season.
Key Milestones in Kabaddi
- 2014: Launch of the Pro Kabaddi League.
- 2022: Jaipur Pink Panthers win the Pro Kabaddi League title.
- Asian Games Inclusion: Since 1990, highlighting Kabaddi’s significance in international sports.