Kabaddi: History, Rules and Measurements

Origin and Evolution:

• Origin: Kabaddi originated in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Early Regulations: The initial rules for Kabaddi were established in the early 20th century by Deccan Gymkhana.
• Historical Milestones:
  • 1923: Hind Vijay Gymkhana, Baroda, formalized the rules and organized the first All India competition.
  • 1934: The All Maharashtra Physical Council revised the rules.
  • 1987: The first international competition was held in Calcutta during the SAF Games.
  • 2004: The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) was founded in Mumbai.

Major Organizations:

• Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation (AAKF): Established in 1978, headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI): Formed in 1973, based in Calcutta.
• Kabaddi Federation of India: Established in 1950.

Olympics and Asian Games:

• Kabaddi has not yet been included in the Olympic Games.
• Included in the Asian Games since 1990 in Beijing for men, and since 2010 in Guangzhou for women.

Awards:

• First Arjuna Award: 1972, Sadanand Shetty.
• First Dronacharya Award: 2002, E. Prasad Rao.

Name of Kabaddi in Different Region:

• Hu-Tu-Tu: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
• Chu-do-do: Tamil Nadu, Mysore.
• He-du-du: Kerala, Bengal.
• Chedugudu: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
• Hu-Du-Du: Bangladesh.
• Gu-Du: Sri Lanka.
• CHUB: Indonesia.
• Kabaddi: Pakistan.
• Bhavatik: Maldives.
• Do-Do: Nepal.

Styles of Kabaddi:

1. Sanjeevani Kabaddi:
   • Each team has 7 players.
   • Players revive one teammate when an opponent is put out.
   • Matches last 40 minutes with a 5-minute halftime break.
2. Gaminee Kabaddi:
   • Each team has 7 players.
   • Out players remain out until all teammates are out.
   • No time limit; game continues until one team scores 5 or 7 points.
3. Amar Kabaddi:
   • No time limit.
   • Players remain in play after being tagged; each tag scores a point.
4. Circle Kabaddi (Punjabi Kabaddi):
   • Played in a circular field with a 22-meter diameter.
   • Includes variations like Lambi Kabaddi, Saunchi Kabaddi, and Goongi Kabaddi.

Court Measurements:

• Men and Junior Boys: 13m x 10m with specific markings for the baulk line, bonus line, and lobby.

• Women and Junior Girls: 12m x 8m with similar markings adjusted for size.

Rules of Kabaddi:

Player Regulations:

• Teams consist of 12 players (7 on the field, 5 substitutes).
• Players must have clipped nails and wear no ornaments.
• Oil or soft substances are prohibited.
• Shoes are mandatory on mat surfaces.
• Distinct numbers are required on jerseys (4 inches in front, 6 inches at the back).

Substitution Rules:

• Five reserved players can be substituted, except for suspended players.
• Substitutions occur during timeouts or intervals.

Timeouts:

• Each team is allowed two 30-second timeouts per half.
• Official timeouts can be called by the referee for injuries or interruptions.

Match Start and Conduct:

• Toss: Determines the first raid.
• Out of Bounds: Players are out if any body part touches outside the boundary unless contact with the playfield is maintained.
• Raid Time: Each raid has a 30-second limit.
• Chant: Raiders must continuously chant “KABADDI” during the raid.

Scoring:

• LONA: Scored when all opponents are out, earning two extra points.
• Bonus Point: Awarded when a raider crosses the bonus line with at least 6 players on the field.

Tie-Breaking:

• Teams alternate 5 raids each; if still tied, a golden raid decides the winner.

Penalties:

• Green Card: Warning.
• Yellow Card: 2-minute suspension.
• Red Card: Ejection from the match or tournament.

Officials in Kabaddi

1. Referee:

• Authority: The primary official who has the final authority over the game.
• Duties:
  • Starts and stops the match.
  • Enforces rules and regulations.
  • Issues warnings and cards (green, yellow, red) to players.
  • Resolves disputes and makes decisions on any points of contention.
  • Ensures the game is played in a fair manner.

2. Umpires:

• Number: Two umpires assist the referee.
• Duties:
  • Monitor player conduct and enforce rules.
  • Assist the referee in making decisions.
  • Observe the play from different angles to ensure all rules are followed.
  • Can also issue warnings and signal fouls.

3. Scorer:

• Duties:
  • Maintains the official score of the match.
  • Records points scored by each team.
  • Keeps track of players who are out and those who revive.
  • Documents timeouts, substitutions, and any disciplinary actions taken during the match.

4. Assistant Scorers:

• Number: Two assistant scorers.
• Duties:
  • Assist the main scorer in keeping accurate records.
  • Handle specific tasks such as timing raids and monitoring the 30-second raid rule.
  • Ensure that player and team statistics are accurately recorded.