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{{Short description|Contact team sport popular in South Asia}}
{{Short description|Contact team sport popular in South Asia}}
{{Other uses|Kabadi (disambiguation){{!}}Kabadi}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox sport
{{Infobox sport
| name     = Kabaddi
| name           = Kabaddi
| image     = Iran men's national kabaddi team 13970602000432636707284535394012 98208.jpg
| image         = Iran men's national kabaddi team 13970602000432636707284535394012 98208.jpg
| caption        = Kabaddi being played at the [[2018 Asian Games]]
| caption        = Kabaddi being played at the [[2018 Asian Games]]
| union          = [[International Kabaddi Federation]]
| union          = [[International Kabaddi Federation]]<br/>[[World Kabaddi]]
| nickname      = Sadugudu, Kaudi, Pakaada, Ha-du-du, Bhavatik, Saadukuda, Hu-Tu-Tu, Himoshika
| nickname      = Kai Pidi, Sadugudu, Kaudi, Pakaada, Ha-du-du, Bhavatik, Saadukuda, Hu-Tu-Tu, Himoshika
| region        = [[Ancient India]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2021 |url=https://www.sportsadda.com/kabaddi/features/kabaddi-history-origins-india-evolutions-pkl-world-cup-asian-games |title=Kabaddi: The origin, history and evolution of the sport |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=sportsadda.com |language=en }}</ref>
| region        = [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2021 |url=https://www.sportsadda.com/kabaddi/features/kabaddi-history-origins-india-evolutions-pkl-world-cup-asian-games |title=Kabaddi: The origin, history and evolution of the sport |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=sportsadda.com |language=en}}</ref>
| clubs          =
| clubs          =
| contact        = [[Contact sport#Full-contact|Full]]
| contact        = [[Contact sport#Full-contact|Full]]
| team          = 7 (per side)
| team          = 7 (players per side form a team)
| mgender        = No, competitions are separate for male and female
| mgender        = No, competitions are separate for male and female
| category      =[[Team sport]], [[Contact sport]]
| category      = [[Team sport]], [[Contact sport]]
| equipment      = None
| equipment      = No
| venue          = Kabaddi court
| venue          = Kabaddi court
| olympic        = [[Demonstration sport]]: [[1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Olympics]]
| olympic        = [[Demonstration sport]]: [[1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Olympics]]
|country/region  = [[Indian subcontinent]], [[Asia]]}}
| glossary      = [[Glossary of kabaddi terms]]
| world          = [[Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)|Kabaddi World Cup (IKF)]]<br/>[[Kabaddi World Cup (World Kabaddi)]]<br/>[[Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)]]
}}


'''Kabaddi''' is a [[contact sport|contact]] [[team sport]] played between two teams of seven players. The objective of the game is for a single player on offense, referred to as a "raider", to run into the opposing team's half of the court, touch out as many of their players and return to their own half of the court, all without being tackled by the defenders in 30 seconds. Points are scored for each player tagged by the raider, while the opposing team earns a point for stopping the raider. Players are taken out of the game if they are touched or tackled, but are brought back in for each point scored by their team from a tag or a tackle.
'''Kabaddi''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|b|æ|d|i}},<ref>{{cite LPD|3}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ʌ|b|ə|d|i}})<ref>[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/english/kabaddi kabaddi] Cambridge Dictionary</ref> is a [[contact sport|contact]] [[team sport]] played between two teams of seven players. It is one of the [[traditional games of India|traditional games of South Asia]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Sudevan |first=Praveen |date=2022-10-27 |title=How Pro Kabaddi made kabaddi the most-watched sport in India after cricket |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/how-pro-kabaddi-made-kabaddi-the-most-watched-sport-in-india-after-cricket/article66052306.ece |access-date=2023-12-05 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the game, a raider enters the opposing half of the court to tag the defenders and attempt to return within 30 seconds without being tackled. Points are awarded for successful tags, while defenders earn a point for tackling the raider. Tagged or tackled players are temporarily out but can re-enter when their team scores. Raids alternate between teams throughout the game.


It is popular in the [[Indian subcontinent]] and other surrounding Asian countries. Although accounts of kabaddi appear in the [[Traditional games of India|histories]] of [[History of India|ancient India]], the game was popularised as a [[Competition|competitive sport]] in the 20th century. It is the [[national sport]] of [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bangladesh |url=https://ocasia.org/noc/countries/4-ban-bangladesh.html |website=Olympic Council of Asia}}</ref> It is the state game of the [[States and union territories of India|Indian states]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Haryana]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Odisha]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web| url= https://sportycious.com/introduction-kabaddi-history-rules-information-91452 |title= Kabaddi Introduction, Rules, Information, History & Competitions |last=siddharth|date=31 December 2016|website=Sportycious|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref>
It is popular in South Asia and nearby [[Asian countries]]. Although accounts of kabaddi are found in [[History of India|ancient India]], the game was popularised as a [[Competition|competitive sport]] in the 20th century. It is the [[national sport]] of [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bangladesh |url=https://ocasia.org/noc/countries/4-ban-bangladesh.html |website=Olympic Council of Asia}}</ref> It is the third most popular and viewed sport in India after [[cricket]] and [[football]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 October 2022 |title=The rise and rise of kabaddi, an Indian sport |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/10/06/the-rise-and-rise-of-kabaddi-an-ancient-indian-sport |issn=0013-0613 |access-date=2023-12-05}}</ref> It is the state game of the [[States and union territories of India|Indian states]] of [[Punjab]], [[Bihar]], [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Haryana]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Odisha]], [[Andra Pradesh]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sportycious.com/introduction-kabaddi-history-rules-information-91452 |title=Kabaddi Introduction, Rules, Information, History & Competitions |last=siddharth |date=31 December 2016 |website=Sportycious |language=en-US |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814165951/https://sportycious.com/introduction-kabaddi-history-rules-information-91452 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


There are two major disciplines of kabaddi: "[[Punjabi kabaddi]]", also referred to as "circle styles", comprises traditional forms of the sport that are played on a circular field outdoors, while the "standard style", played on a rectangular court indoors, is the discipline played in major professional leagues and international competitions such as the [[Asian Games]].
There are two major forms: "[[Punjabi kabaddi]]", also called "circle style", consists of the traditional forms of the sport that are played outdoors on a circular field, and the "standard/rectangular style", which is played indoors on a rectangular court, and is played in major professional leagues and international competitions such as the [[Asian Games]].


This game is known by numerous names in different parts of the Indian subcontinent, such as: ''kabaddi ''or ''chedugudu'' in [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]]; ''kabaddi'' in [[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]; ''kabaddi'', ''komonti'' or ''ha-du-du'' in [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]; ''baibalaa'' in [[Maldives]], ''kauddi'' or ''kabaddi'' in the [[Punjab region]]; ''hu-tu-tu'' in [[Western India]], ''ha-do-do'' in [[East India|Eastern India]]; ''chadakudu'' in [[South India]]; ''kapardi'' in [[Nepal]]; ''kabadi'' or ''sadugudu'' in [[Tamil Nadu]]; and ''chakgudu'' in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="yogems.com">{{cite web |title=Kabaddi {{!}} Kabbadi Rules {{!}} How to play Kabbadi {{!}} Kabbadi Players {{!}} YoGems |url=https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/the-pulsating-game-of-kabaddi/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |date=29 June 2020}}</ref>
== Name ==
This game is known by numerous names in different parts of the Indian subcontinent, such as: ''kabaddi ''or ''cheduguda'' in [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]]; ''kabaddi'' in [[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]; ''kabaddi'', ''komonti'' or ''ha-gu-da'' in [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]; ''baibalaa'' in [[Maldives]], ''kauddi-kauddi'' in [[Sindh]], ''kabaddi'' in the [[Punjab region]]; ''hu-tu-tu'' in [[Western India]], ''ha-do-do'' in [[East India|Eastern India]]; ''chadakudu'' in [[South India]]; ''kapardi'' in [[Nepal]]; ''kabadi'' or ''sadugudu'' in [[Tamil Nadu]]; and ''chakgudu'' in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="yogems.com">{{cite web |title=Kabaddi {{!}} Kabbadi Rules {{!}} How to play Kabbadi {{!}} Kabbadi Players |website=YoGems |url=https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/the-pulsating-game-of-kabaddi/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922211106/https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/the-pulsating-game-of-kabaddi/ |archive-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>


==History ==
=== Etymology ===
The raider is required to execute each raid on a single breath; in order to prove that they are not inhaling, they are required to repeatedly chant the word "kabaddi", in a process referred to as a cant.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shannon |first=Kris |date=2024-02-14 |title=The dummies guide to Pro Kabaddi |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/kris-shannons-world-of-sport-the-dummies-guide-to-pro-kabaddi/DXGI3A5NLXDWNDMOLUCYEGMWQY/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref name=":4" />{{Efn|In modern variants of kabaddi, such as the [[Pro Kabaddi League]], raids are limited to a duration of 30 seconds.}} The term kabaddi is from a [[Tamil language|Tamil word]]  composed of "Kai" and "Pidi", meaning "to hold hands".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-04 |title=Nurtured in rural Tamil Nadu, kabaddi players make a mark at World Cup |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/nurtured-in-rural-tamil-nadu-kabaddi-players-make-a-mark-at-world-cup/articleshow/54666386.cms |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2024}}


Kabaddi is a sport developed centered on [[Jallikattu]]. It is common among the [[Ahir|Ayar]] tribal people who lived in the [[Sangam landscape|Mullai]] geographical region of ancient [[Tamilakam|Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabaddi: Origins, History, And How It Became India's Fastest Growing Sport|url=https://www.casino.org/blog/kabaddi-history/ |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=www.casino.org |date=2 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
<ref>{{Cite web |title= 'ஜல்லிக்கட்டு' ஆன 'சல்லிக்கட்டு'... தொன்மையும்‌ வரலாறும்‌ - ஒரு பார்வை|url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/90987/History-of-Jallikattu |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=www.puthiyathalaimurai.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= ஈராயிரம் ஆண்டுகளைக் கடந்து தமிழர் வாழ்வில் அங்கமாக திகழும் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு - வரலாறு என்ன?|url=https://tamil.news18.com/news/tamil-nadu/jallikkattu-2022-jallikkattu-in-the-tamils-life-history-skd-665141.html |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=www.tamil.news18.com |language=en}}</ref> A player going to the opposition is treated like a Bull. It is like taming a bull without touching it, as it is mentioned in [[Sangam Literature]] that the game called Sadugudu was practised since ages. There are also accounts of [[Gautam Buddha]] having played the game recreationally.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Sen2015" /><ref name="Dhaka Tribune">{{cite news |last=Hoque |first=Shishir |date=14 December 2016 |title=A tale of kabaddi, Bangladesh's national sport |work=[[Dhaka Tribune]] it was started by sidra
[[File:Stamp of India - 1990 - Colnect 164148 - Kabaddi.jpeg|left|thumb|A commemorative stamp depicting kabaddi's first appearance in the Asian Games in [[1990 Asian Games|1990]]]]
|url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/other-sports/2016/12/15/tale-kabaddi-bangladeshs-national-sport/ |access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> There is another version to this sport origins and rich history, kabaddi originated in Tamil Nadu over 4,000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Kabbadi - Pro Kabbadi League Success Story & Song - Star India |url=https://www.disneystar.com/our-stories/game-on-india/ |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=www.disneystar.com |language=en}}</ref>


The game was said to have been popular among the [[Yadava]] people. An [[Abhang]] by [[Tukaram]] stated that the lord [[Krishna]]  played the game in his youth.
=== Ancient era ===


Modern kabaddi is a synthesis of the game played in various forms under different names in the Indian subcontinent.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Chaudhary, Vivek (Sportswriter)|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1065964564|title=Kabaddi by NATURE
[[Ronojoy Sen]] speculates in his book ''Nation At Play'' that kabaddi originated during the [[Vedic period]] (between 1500 BC and 500 BC).<ref name=":5" /> There are accounts of both [[The Buddha|Siddhartha Gautama]] and [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] having played an ancient form of the sport.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Sen2015" /><ref name="Dhaka Tribune">{{cite news |last=Hoque |first=Shishir |date=14 December 2016 |title=A tale of kabaddi, Bangladesh's national sport |work=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/other-sports/2016/12/15/tale-kabaddi-bangladeshs-national-sport/ |access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>
|year=2018|isbn=978-93-82622-28-4|location=New Delhi|oclc=1065964564}}</ref> India has been first credited with having helped to popularise kabaddi as a competitive sport, with the first organized competitions occurring in the 1920s,<ref name="khelnow.com">{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Tarkesh |title=Kabaddi: Origin, rules and the Pro Kabaddi League |url=https://khelnow.com/kabaddi/kabaddi-rules-history-pkl |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=Khel Now}}</ref> their introduction to the programme of the [[National Games of India|Indian Olympic Games]] in 1938, the establishment of the All-India Kabaddi Federation in 1950,<ref name="khelnow.com"/> and it being played as a [[demonstration sport]] at the [[1951 Asian Games|inaugural 1951 Asian Games]] in [[New Delhi]]. These developments helped to formalize the sport, which had traditionally been played in villages, for legitimate international competition.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Debdatta |date=22 October 2016 |title=The kabaddi question - whose game is it anyway? |language=en |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/kabaddi/story/_/id/17854768/the-kabaddi-question-game-anyway |access-date=20 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="Sen2015">{{cite book|first= Ronojoy |last= Sen|title=Nation at Play: A History of Sport in India| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=O5mACgAAQBAJ|date=27 October 2015|publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn= 978-0-231-53993-7}}</ref><ref name="Dhaka Tribune"/>


After being demonstrated again at the [[1982 Asian Games]] in [[Delhi]], Kabaddi was added to the Asian Games programme beginning in 1990.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Chaudhary |first=Amit |date=3 August 2014 |title=Kabaddi goes international |language=en |work=Daily Pioneer |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/sports-feature/kabaddi-goes-international.html |access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>
According to the sport's origins, kabaddi is a sport developed centered on [[Jallikattu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='ஜல்லிக்கட்டு' ஆன 'சல்லிக்கட்டு'... தொன்மையும்‌ வரலாறும்‌ - ஒரு பார்வை |url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/90987/History-of-Jallikattu |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=www.puthiyathalaimurai.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ta:ஈராயிரம் ஆண்டுகளைக் கடந்து தமிழர் வாழ்வில் அங்கமாக திகழும் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு - வரலாறு என்ன? |url=https://tamil.news18.com/news/tamil-nadu/jallikkattu-2022-jallikkattu-in-the-tamils-life-history-skd-665141.html |access-date=17 January 2023 |work=News18 |date=13 January 2022 |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Kabbadi - Pro Kabbadi League Success Story & Song - Star India |url=https://www.disneystar.com/our-stories/game-on-india/ |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=www.disneystar.com |language=en}}</ref> A player going to the opposition is treated like a bull. It is like taming a bull without touching it, as it is mentioned in [[Sangam Literature]] that the game called Sadugudu was practised since ages.
 
There are also accounts of kabaddi having been played in [[Iran]] 2,000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schwartz |first=David Asa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8N_EEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA186 |title=Modern Sports around the World: History, Geography, and Sociology |date=2021-06-14 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-1-4408-6880-1 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaidya |first=Jaideep |date=2017-09-06 |title=From 'zouuu zouuu' to 'kabaddi kabaddi': Tracking Iran's journey to becoming India's biggest rival |url=https://scroll.in/field/849722/from-zouuu-zouuu-to-kabaddi-kabaddi-tracking-irans-journey-to-becoming-indias-biggest-rival |access-date=2023-08-24 |work=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Modern era ===
[[File:Iran women's national kabaddi team 1397060223024478215137374.jpg|thumb|The Iranian women's team won the [[Kabaddi at the 2018 Asian Games – Women|2018 Asian Games kabaddi final]] against India, showcasing the rise of the sport outside of South Asia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-08-24 |title=Asian Games 2018: India's defeat reflects Kabaddi's globalisation, says coach L Srinivas Reddy |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/asian-games/asian-games-2018-indias-defeat-reflects-kabaddis-globalisation-says-coach-l-srinivas-reddy-5323564/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |work=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>]]
Modern kabaddi is a synthesis of the game played in various forms under different names in the Indian subcontinent.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chaudhary |first=Vivek |title=Kabaddi by Nature |year=2018 |isbn=978-93-82622-28-4 |publisher=Palimpsest Publishers |location=New Delhi |oclc=1065964564}}</ref> India has been first credited with having helped to popularise kabaddi as a competitive sport, with the first organised competitions occurring in the 1920s,<ref name="khelnow.com">{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Tarkesh |title=Kabaddi: Origin, rules and the Pro Kabaddi League |url=https://khelnow.com/kabaddi/kabaddi-rules-history-pkl |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=Khel Now}}</ref> their introduction to the programme of the [[National Games of India]] in 1938, the establishment of the All-India Kabaddi Federation in 1950,<ref name="khelnow.com"/> and it being played as a [[demonstration sport]] at the [[1951 Asian Games|inaugural 1951 Asian Games]] in New Delhi. These developments helped to formalise the sport, which had traditionally been played on muddy surfaces in villages,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shukla |first=Kaushal |date=2019-10-16 |title=From mud to mat: How kabaddi went from India's indigenous game to multi-faceted professional sport |url=https://scroll.in/field/940355/from-mud-to-mat-how-kabaddi-went-from-indias-indigenous-game-to-multi-faceted-professional-sport |access-date=2024-01-29 |work=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-15 |title=From Raiding on Clay to Raiding on Mats: E Prasad Rao Explains How Kabaddi Has Evolved Over the Years |url=https://www.news18.com/sports/e-prasad-rao-kabaddi-evolution-raiding-on-clay-to-raiding-on-mats-pro-kabaddi-league-8086075.html |access-date=2024-01-29 |work=News18 |language=en}}</ref> for legitimate international competition.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Debdatta |date=22 October 2016 |title=The kabaddi question - whose game is it anyway? |language=en |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/kabaddi/story/_/id/17854768/the-kabaddi-question-game-anyway |access-date=20 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="Sen2015">{{cite book |first=Ronojoy |last=Sen |title=Nation at Play: A History of Sport in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O5mACgAAQBAJ |date=27 October 2015 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-53993-7}}</ref><ref name="Dhaka Tribune"/>
 
The first framework of rules for the sport was [[Sports in Maharashtra#Indigenous sports under British rule|prepared]] in [[Maharashtra]] in the 1920s, with [[English sports]] serving as a model for this formalisation.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Love |first1=Adam |last2=Dzikus |first2=Lars |date=2020-02-26 |title=How India came to love cricket, favored sport of its colonial British rulers |url=http://theconversation.com/how-india-came-to-love-cricket-favored-sport-of-its-colonial-british-rulers-132302 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}</ref> One of the earliest modern tournaments of the sport, the All India Kabaddi Tournament in 1923, was played according to these amended rules.<ref name=":5" /> After being demonstrated again at the [[1982 Asian Games]] in Delhi, kabaddi was added to the Asian Games programme beginning in 1990.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Chaudhary |first=Amit |date=3 August 2014 |title=Kabaddi goes international |language=en |work=Daily Pioneer |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/sports-feature/kabaddi-goes-international.html |access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>
 
The advent of the [[Pro Kabaddi League]] (PKL) in 2014 revolutionised the standard style of the sport, with various rule changes being made; for example, whereas previously raids had no time limit other than the breathing capacity of the raider,{{Efn|The only way for a raid to end in pre-PKL kabaddi without the raider escaping or being captured in the defensive team's half of the field was if the raider failed to hold his breath.}} the PKL rules introduced the concept of a standard 30-second time limit for every raid.<ref name=":4" />


==Variations==
==Variations==
{{Main|Variations of kabaddi}}


===Standard style===
===Standard style===
[[File:A Kabaddi match at 2006 Asian Games.jpg|thumb|A kabaddi court at the [[2006 Asian Games]]]]
[[File:A Kabaddi match at 2006 Asian Games.jpg|thumb|A kabaddi court at the [[2006 Asian Games]]]]
In the international team version of kabaddi, two teams of seven members each occupy opposite halves of a court of {{convert|10|x|13|m|ft}} in case of men and {{convert|8|x|12|m|ft}} in case of women.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> Each has five supplementary players held in reserve for substitution.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> The game is played with 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half time break in which the teams exchange sides.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> During each play, known as a "raid", a player from the attacking side, known as the "raider", runs into the opposing team's side of the court and attempts to tag as many of the seven defending players as possible. The raider must cross the baulk line into the defending team's territory, and then return to their half of the field without being tackled. (If an attacker touches a defender and hasn't yet reached the baulk line, they do not need to reach the baulk line to score points and may return to their half of the court.)<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.prokabaddi.com/prokabaddi-rules | title= Pro Kabaddi Rules | website= prokabaddi.com}}</ref> While raiding, the raider must loudly chant ''kabaddi'', confirming to referees that their raid is done on a single breath without inhaling. Each raid has a 30-second time limit.<ref name="kabaddiikf">{{cite web|title=Rules of Kabaddi|url=http://kabaddiikf.com/RULES_Regularikf.doc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070523/http://kabaddiikf.com/RULES_Regularikf.doc|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=26 August 2014|publisher=International Kabaddi Federation (IKF)}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=5 October 2016|title=Kabaddi World Cup 2016: A handy guide to the format, rules and how the sport works|language=en-US|work=Firstpost|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/kabaddi-world-cup-2016-a-handy-guide-to-the-format-rules-and-how-the-sport-works-3034132.html|access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Debdatta |date=27 July 2017 |title=Kabaddi 101: Raid, defend, revive, repeat |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/kabaddi/story/_/id/20169474/all-need-know-pro-kabaddi-league-2017 |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="indianexpress-everything">{{Cite news |last=Chandhok |first=Suhail |date=30 January 2016 |title=Everything you need to know about Kabaddi |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/blogs/sports-blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kabaddi/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>
In the international team version of kabaddi, two teams of seven members each occupy opposite halves of a court of {{convert|10|x|13|m|ft}} in the case of men and {{convert|8|x|12|m|ft}} in the case of women.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> Each has five supplementary players held in reserve for substitution.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> The game is played with 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime break during which the teams exchange sides.<ref name="khelnow.com"/> During each play, known as a "raid", a player from the attacking side, known as the "raider", runs into the opposing team's side of the court and attempts to tag as many of the seven defending players as possible. The raider must cross the baulk line into the defending team's territory, and then return to their half of the field without being tackled. (If an attacker touches a defender and has not yet reached the baulk line, they do not need to reach the baulk line to score points and may return to their half of the court.)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/prokabaddi-rules |title=Pro Kabaddi Rules |website=prokabaddi.com |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=9 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709212325/https://www.prokabaddi.com/prokabaddi-rules |url-status=dead }}</ref> While raiding, the raider must loudly chant ''kabaddi'', confirming to referees that the raid is completed on a single breath without inhaling. Each raid has a 30-second time limit.<ref name="kabaddiikf">{{cite web |title=Rules of Kabaddi |url=http://kabaddiikf.com/RULES_Regularikf.doc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070523/http://kabaddiikf.com/RULES_Regularikf.doc |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 August 2014 |website=[[International Kabaddi Federation]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=5 October 2016 |title=Kabaddi World Cup 2016: A handy guide to the format, rules and how the sport works |language=en-US |work=Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/kabaddi-world-cup-2016-a-handy-guide-to-the-format-rules-and-how-the-sport-works-3034132.html |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Debdatta |date=27 July 2017 |title=Kabaddi 101: Raid, defend, revive, repeat |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/kabaddi/story/_/id/20169474/all-need-know-pro-kabaddi-league-2017 |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="indianexpress-everything">{{Cite news |last=Chandhok |first=Suhail |date=30 January 2016 |title=Everything you need to know about Kabaddi |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/blogs/sports-blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kabaddi/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>


A point is scored for each defender tagged; tags can be made with the raider's hand or foot.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=5 raiding moves that create an impact in kabaddi |url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/features/5-raiding-moves-that-create-an-impact-in-kabaddi |access-date=15 January 2023 |website=vivo Pro Kabaddi League |language=en}}</ref> If the raider steps beyond the bonus line marked in the defending team's territory when there are 5 or more players, they earn an additional point known as a bonus point. If the raider is successfully stopped (tackled), the opposite team earns a point instead. All players tagged are taken out of the game, but one is "revived" for each point a team scores from a subsequent tag or tackle. Bonus points do not revive players. Players who step out of the boundary are out. A raid where no points are scored by the raider is referred to as an "empty raid". By contrast, a play where the raider scores three or more points is referred to as a "super raid". If a team gets all seven players on the opposing team out at once ("All Out"), they earn two additional points and the players are placed back in the game.<ref name="kabaddiikf" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name="indianexpress-everything" />
A point is scored for each defender tagged; tags can be made with any part of the raider's body by touching any part of the defender's body.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Move Over IPL, Pro-Kabaddi is Here to Stay |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2014/oct/04/move-over-ipl-pro-kabaddi-is-here-to-stay-668022.html |access-date=2023-10-15 |work=The New Indian Express |date=4 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to play Kabaddi? Defending rules |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/articles/how-play-kabaddi-defending-rules |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref> If the raider steps beyond the bonus line marked in the defending team's territory when there are six or more players, they earn an additional point known as a bonus point (the bonus point is only scored if the raider's trailing foot is in the air while they step over the line).<ref name=":4">[https://olympics.com/en/news/kabaddi-rules-regulations-how-to-play Kabaddi: How to play India's 4000-year-old indigenous sport] https://olympics.com/ Utathya Nag</ref> If the raider is successfully stopped (tackled), the opposing team earns a point instead. All players tagged or tackled are taken out of the game, but one is "revived" for each point a team scores from a subsequent tag or tackle. However, bonus points do not revive players. In addition, players who step out of the boundary are out. However, the boundary of the field can vary mid-raid; there are two strips on either side of the court known as "lobby areas" which only become part of the field of play in raids where the raider touches an opponent.<ref name=":4" />


===Circle style===
A raid where no points are scored by the raider is referred to as an "empty raid". By contrast, a play where the raider scores three or more points is referred to as a "super raid". If a team gets all seven players on the opposing team out ("All Out"), they earn two additional points and then all the opposition players are placed back in the game.<ref name="kabaddiikf" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name="indianexpress-everything" />
 
In the event of a tie, [[PKL]] rules stipulate (for playoff matches) that each team is to perform five raids on the other team, with no time limits involved, no players being dismissed or revived, and the baulk line being simultaneously treated as a bonus line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PKL 9 playoffs tie-breakers: What happens if a match is tied? |url=https://khelnow.com/pkl/2022-12-pkl-9-playoffs-qualification-scenarios-tie-breakers-rules-golden-raid |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Khel Now |language=en}}</ref>
 
===Styles of Indian kabaddi===
[[File:Kabaddi Match (Bhimber).jpg|thumb|right|A circle kabaddi match being played in [[Bhimber]]]]
[[File:Kabaddi Match (Bhimber).jpg|thumb|right|A circle kabaddi match being played in [[Bhimber]]]]
There are four major forms of Indian kabaddi recognised by the amateur federation.<ref name="yogems.com"/> In Sanjeevani kabaddi, one player is revived against one player of the opposite team who is out. The game is played over 40 minutes with a five-minute break between halves. There are seven players on each side and the team that outs all the players on the opponent's side scores four extra points. In Gaminee style, seven players play on each side and a player put out has to remain out until all his team members are out. The team that is successful in outing all the players of the opponent's side secures a point. The game continues until five or seven such points are secured and has no fixed time duration. Amar style resembles the Sanjeevani form in the time frame rule, but a player who is declared out stays inside the court while play continues. For every player of the opposition touched "out", a team earns a point.<ref>{{cite news |last=Manohar |first=Tej |date=7 March 2014 |title=Kabaddi In India: Origins, success and current pitiable state |work=Sportskeeda.com |url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/kabaddi-india-origins-success-current-pitiable-state |access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> [[Punjabi Kabaddi|Punjabi kabaddi]] is a variation that is played on a circular pitch of a diameter of {{convert|22|m}}.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite book|title=Kissa 2 Kabaddi da| year= 2014| publisher= Sarwan Singh Sangam Publications|isbn=978-93-83654-65-9}}</ref>
There are four major forms of Indian kabaddi recognised by some amateur federation.<ref name="yogems.com"/>
*In Sanjeevani Kabaddi, one player is revived against one player of the opposite team who is out. The game is played over 40 minutes with a five-minute break between halves. There are seven players on each side and the team that outs all the players on the opponent's side scores four extra points.
*In Gaminee style, seven players play on each side and a player put out has to remain out until all his team members are out. The team that is successful in outing all the players of the opponent's side secures a point. The game continues until five or seven such points are secured and has no fixed time duration.
*[[Punjabi Kabaddi|Punjabi kabaddi]] is a variation that is played on a circular pitch of a diameter of {{convert|22|m}}.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite book |title=Kissa 2 Kabaddi da |year=2014 |publisher=Sarwan Singh Sangam Publications |isbn=978-93-83654-65-9}}</ref>
 
=== Beach kabaddi ===
The Beach kabaddi variant is played in two 15-minute halves by two teams of four players who are not allowed to wear shoes and is played on levelled ground of sand either on seas shore or river banks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-10-05 |title=Beach Kabaddi held in Urmia |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/428189/Beach-Kabaddi-held-in-Urmia |access-date=2023-10-17 |work=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-29 |title=Unsung champs of sand: India's women's beach kabaddi team |url=https://www.espn.in/kabaddi/story/_/id/19028715/unsung-champions-sand-india-women-beach-kabaddi-team |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> It is played at an international level in competitions such as the [[Beach kabaddi at the Asian Beach Games|Asian Beach Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=Diversity of Sport Drives Asian Beach Games Program -- On the Scene |url=https://www.infobae.com/aroundtherings/articles/2021/07/12/diversity-of-sport-drives-asian-beach-games-program-on-the-scene/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=infobae |language=es-ES}}</ref>
 
=== Indoor kabaddi ===
The Indoor kabaddi variant is played in two 15-minute halves by two teams of five players and is a shorter variant of standard style kabaddi. It is played at an international level in competitions such as the [[Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKFI Kabaddi Rules 2017 |url=https://gosportsindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Kabaddi-Rules.pdf |website=gosportsindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aimag2013.org/en/schedule/bySport/?SportCode=KA |title=Indoor Kabaddi Competition Schedule |work=aimag2013.org |publisher=Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2013 |access-date=3 July 2013 |archive-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702183538/http://www.aimag2013.org/en/schedule/bySport/?SportCode=KA |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
== Governance ==
 
=== International kabaddi organisations ===
An international governing body called the [[International Kabaddi Federation]] (IKF) has been established for the sport.
 
Another kabaddi organisation named the World Kabaddi Federation was founded in 2003 and formally incorporated in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Kabaddi Federation, The World Governing Body of Kabaddi |url=http://worldkabaddi.org/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=worldkabaddi.org}}</ref>
 
A different organisation called [[World Kabaddi]] was founded in 2018. It held its own [[2019 Kabaddi World Cup|Kabaddi World Cup competition in 2019]] in [[Malacca]], Malaysia, followed by its [[2025 Kabaddi World Cup (World Kabaddi)|2025 Kabaddi World Cup]] event in March 2025 in [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands, England]].


==Major competitions==
==Major competitions==
The following competitions are played in standard format, for that of circle style kabaddi, see [[Punjabi Kabaddi|Punjabi kabaddi]].{{Citation needed|date= December 2019}}


===Kabaddi World Cup===
=== International competitions ===
{{Main|Kabaddi World Cup (Standard style)}}
The Kabaddi World Cup is an outdoor international standard style kabaddi competition conducted by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), contested by men's and women's national teams. The competition has been previously contested in 2004, 2007 and 2016. All the tournaments have been won by India. India defeated Iran by 38–29 in the final of the championship game to clinch the title of 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/kabaddi/kabaddi-world-cup-2016-india-beat-iran-to-clinch-title-1477782|title=India beat Iran to clinch title|work=sports.ndtv.com |date=22 October 2016|access-date= 22 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 October 2016 |title=India win Kabaddi World Cup |work=Hindustan Times |agency=PTI |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/india-win-2016-kabaddi-world-cup-title-after-defeating-iran-38-28-in-the-final/story-DhQXIkJVqNDHXAyekomq1N.html |access-date=23 October 2016}}</ref>


After the establishment of a new kabaddi organization named [[World Kabaddi Federation]],<ref>{{cite web |title=World Kabaddi Federation, The World Governing Body of Kabaddi |url=http://worldkabaddi.org/ |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=worldkabaddi.org}}</ref> a [[2019 Kabaddi World Cup]] was held in April 2019 at [[Malacca]], [[Malaysia]]. It was the largest world cup in kabaddi history, consisting of 32 men's teams and 24 women's teams.<ref>{{cite news |last= Sain |first= Vijay |date= 19 November 2018 |title= Exciting news for Kabaddi fans! World Cup Kabaddi 2019 set to kick off from April 2019. |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/exciting-news-for-kabaddi-fans-world-cup-kabaddi-2019-set-to-kick-off-from-april-2019 |work= Sportskeeda |access-date= 13 May 2020}}</ref>
==== IKF Kabaddi World Cup ====
{{Main|Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)}}


===Asian Games===
The Kabaddi World Cup is an outdoor international standard style kabaddi competition conducted by the IKF, contested by national teams.
 
In 2024, it announced a plan to hold a [[2025 Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)|2025 Kabaddi World Cup]] in India in January 2025. The IKF men's competition has been previously contested in 2004, 2007 and 2016. All three of these tournaments were held in India and were won by India, and all had Iran as runner-up. To clinch the title in 2016, India defeated Iran by 38–29 in the final of the championship game.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/kabaddi/kabaddi-world-cup-2016-india-beat-iran-to-clinch-title-1477782 |title=India beat Iran to clinch title |work=sports.ndtv.com |date=22 October 2016 |access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 October 2016 |title=India win Kabaddi World Cup |work=Hindustan Times |agency=PTI |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/india-win-2016-kabaddi-world-cup-title-after-defeating-iran-38-28-in-the-final/story-DhQXIkJVqNDHXAyekomq1N.html |access-date=23 October 2016}}</ref>
 
The IKF has also held one women's World Cup event. It was held in 2012 in India. It was also won by India.
 
==== Junior Kabaddi World Cup ====
{{Main|Junior Kabaddi World Cup}}
 
The inaugural Kabaddi World Cup organised by the IKF was held in [[Kish Island]], Iran, 11–14 November 2019. It featured 13 teams.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 June 2018 |title=Iran beats Thailand |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83551158/Iran-beat-Thailand-in-1st-Junior-World-Kabaddi-Championship |access-date=23 June 2018 |work=en.irna.ir}}</ref>  Iran won the tournament by defeating Kenya in the final, 42–22. Team India did not participate in this tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Navneet |date=28 July 2020 |title=Team India did not participate |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/kabaddi-hit-by-protracted-court-battles/story-Ka74LelE6mqXO13AXAnNwM.html |access-date=28 July 2020 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
 
==== Asian Games ====
{{Main|Kabaddi at the Asian Games}}
{{Main|Kabaddi at the Asian Games}}
[[File:Kabaddi-japan-2015-10-4.webm|thumb|(video) Kabaddi being played in Japan, 2015]]
[[File:Kabaddi-japan-2015-10-4.webm|thumb|(video) Kabaddi being played in Japan, 2015]]
Kabaddi was played as a [[demonstration sport|demonstration event]] at the [[1951 Asian Games|First Asian Games]] in 1951,<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Sen2015" /><ref name="Dhaka Tribune" /> and again in 1982,<ref name=":3" /> before becoming a medal event for the first time in 1990.<ref name=":3" />
Kabaddi was played as a [[demonstration sport|demonstration event]] at the [[1951 Asian Games|First Asian Games]] in 1951,<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Sen2015" /><ref name="Dhaka Tribune" /> and again in 1982,<ref name=":3" /> before becoming a medal event for the first time in 1990.<ref name=":3" />


The [[India national kabaddi team|Indian national team]] won every men's and women's kabaddi competition in the Asian Games from 2002 through 2014. At the [[2018 Asian Games]], [[Iran national kabaddi team|Iran]] became the first country other than India to win [[Gold medal|gold medals]] in kabaddi, with India's men's team winning bronze, and India's women's team being beaten by Iran to win silver.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 August 2018 |title=India's golden run ended |work=[[India Today]] |agency=Reuters inputs |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/asian-games-2018/story/india-kabaddi-lose-to-iran-asian-games-2018-1322869-2018-08-25 |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref>
The [[India national kabaddi team|Indian national team]] won every men's and women's kabaddi competition in the Asian Games from 2002 through 2014. At the [[2018 Asian Games]], [[Iran national kabaddi team|Iran]] became the first country other than India to win [[gold medal]]s in kabaddi, with India's men's team winning bronze, and India's women's team being beaten by Iran to win silver.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 August 2018 |title=India's golden run ended |work=[[India Today]] |agency=Reuters inputs |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/asian-games-2018/story/india-kabaddi-lose-to-iran-asian-games-2018-1322869-2018-08-25 |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref>
 
==== Asian Kabaddi Championship ====
{{Main|Asian Kabaddi Championship}}
 
[[Kabaddi Asia Cup|AKC]]'s tenth season was played in [[Gorgan]], Iran, in 2017 in which India won its tenth gold by defeating Pakistan in the finals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2017 |title=Asian Kabaddi Championship 2017: Ajay Thakur-inspired India thump Pakistan in final to win men's title |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/asian-kabaddi-championship-2017-ajay-thakur-inspired-india-thump-pakistan-in-final-to-win-mens-title-4228729.html |access-date=14 May 2020 |work=Firstpost}}</ref>
 
==== South Asian Games ====
{{Excerpt|Kabaddi at the South Asian Games}}
 
==== European Kabaddi Championship ====
The first edition of European Kabaddi Championship was held in [[Scotland]] in 2019. The final match was between [[Poland national kabaddi team|Poland]] and [[Netherlands|Holland]], with Poland winning 47–27.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Poland wins European Kabaddi Championships |url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-wins-european-kabaddi-championships-8133 |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=The First News |language=en}}</ref> The second edition was held in [[Cyprus]] in 2021 and organised by the World Kabaddi Federation. Poland retained their title by beating hosts Cyprus in the final, 29–15.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 October 2021 |title=Live Blog: Day 2 European Kabaddi Championships |url=http://www.theworldkabaddi.org/blog/live-blog-day-2-european-kabaddi-championships/ |access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> Italy was set to host the third edition in 2022,<ref>{{cite web |date=8 February 2022 |title=Italy to host the third edition of European Kabaddi Championships |url=http://www.theworldkabaddi.org/events/italy-to-host-the-third-edition-of-european-kabaddi-championships/ |access-date=8 February 2022 |website=theworldkabaddi.org}}</ref> but it was delayed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|COVID-19 pandemic]], eventually happening in 2023. Poland beat England in the final to retain their title.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-07-09 |title=6th European Kabaddi Championship Italy 2023 |url=https://www.englandkabaddi.co.uk/news/6th-european-kabaddi-championship-italy-2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=England Kabaddi |language=en}}</ref>
 
==== Kabaddi Masters ====
{{main|2018 Dubai Kabaddi Masters}}
 
The inaugural edition of the Kabaddi Masters was held in [[Dubai]], 22–30 June 2018. It was the first kabaddi tournament to be held in the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]. It featured 6 teams. India won the tournament by defeating Iran in the final with a scoreline of 44–26, with the Indian Defense outperforming the Iran Defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 - Match 15 - INDIA vs IRAN |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/dubai-kabaddi-masters-2018/match15-india-vs-iran |access-date=8 August 2019 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Domestic competitions ===


===Pro Kabaddi League===
==== Pro Kabaddi League ====
{{Main|Pro Kabaddi League}}
{{Main|Pro Kabaddi League}}
The [[Pro Kabaddi League]] was established in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=About PKL - VIVO Pro Kabaddi |url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/about-prokabaddi |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=vivo Pro Kabaddi League 2019 {{!}} Schedule, Live Scores, News, Team, Player list and more |language=en}}</ref> The league modeled its business upon that of the [[Indian Premier League]] of [[Twenty20]] [[cricket]], with a large focus on marketing, the backing of local broadcaster [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|Star Sports]], and changes to the sport's rules and its presentation to make it more suitable for a television audience.<ref name="bbc-kabaddiipl">{{cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Simon |date=7 August 2014 |title=Kabaddi gets the IPL treatment |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-28660432 |access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref> The Pro Kabaddi League quickly became a ratings success on Indian television; the [[2014 Pro Kabaddi League season|2014 season]] was watched by at least 435 million viewers over the course of the season, and the inaugural championship match was seen by 98.6 million viewers.<ref name="thehindu-pklratings">{{cite news |date=15 September 2014 |title=Pro Kabaddi league viewership second only to IPL |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/pro-kabaddi-league-viewership-second-only-to-ipl/article6413148.ece |access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="guardian-kabaddiwc">{{cite news |last=Khawaja |first=Jemayel |date=10 October 2016 |title=Simple, visceral, fun: why the ancient sport of kabaddi is enjoying a resurgence |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/10/kabaddi-world-cup-india-resurgence |access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref>


All players in the league must be strictly under 85 kg of weight.
[[File:919-9198627 the-league-will-continue-its-existing-format-and.png|thumb|The PKL logo]]
The [[Pro Kabaddi League]] was established in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=About PKL - VIVO Pro Kabaddi |url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/about-prokabaddi |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=vivo Pro Kabaddi League 2019 {{!}} Schedule, Live Scores, News, Team, Player list and more |language=en}}</ref> The league modeled its business upon that of the [[Indian Premier League]] of [[Twenty20]] [[cricket]], with a large focus on marketing, the backing of local broadcaster [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|Star Sports]].<ref name="bbc-kabaddiipl">{{cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Simon |date=7 August 2014 |title=Kabaddi gets the IPL treatment |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-28660432 |access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref> The Pro Kabaddi League quickly became a ratings success on Indian television; the [[2014 Pro Kabaddi League season|2014 season]] was watched by at least 435 million viewers over the course of the season, and the inaugural championship match was seen by 98.6 million viewers.<ref name="thehindu-pklratings">{{cite news |date=15 September 2014 |title=Pro Kabaddi league viewership second only to IPL |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/pro-kabaddi-league-viewership-second-only-to-ipl/article6413148.ece |access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="guardian-kabaddiwc">{{cite news |last=Khawaja |first=Jemayel |date=10 October 2016 |title=Simple, visceral, fun: why the ancient sport of kabaddi is enjoying a resurgence |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/10/kabaddi-world-cup-india-resurgence |access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref>


Additional rules are used in the Pro Kabaddi League to encourage scoring: when a defensive side has three or fewer players remaining, tackles are worth two points instead of one. Furthermore, if a team performs two empty raids in a row, the next raider must score a point, or else they will be declared out and the opposing team will score a point.<ref name="kabaddiikf" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name="indianexpress-everything" />
[[Bengal Warriors]], [[Bengaluru Bulls]], [[Patna Pirates]], [[Tamil Thalaivas]], [[UP Yoddhas]], [[Gujarat Giants (kabaddi)|Gujrat Giants]], [[Haryana Steelers]], [[Puneri Paltan]], [[U Mumba]], [[Jaipur Pink Panthers]], [[Dabang Delhi|Dabang Delhi KC]], and [[Telugu Titans]] are the 12 teams that play in the Pro Kabaddi League.


===Indo International Premier Kabaddi League===
The organisers of the [[Pro Kabaddi League]] change the sport's rules and its presentation to make it more suitable for a television audience. All players in the league must be strictly under {{convert|85|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight. When the raider scores 10 or more raid points in a single match, it is called a super 10, and they earn an extra point. If the defender successfully manages to tackle the five raiders in a single game, it is a high 5, and the team will be awarded one extra point.[https://prokabaddiarena.com/pro-kabaddi-rules-and-regulations-while-raiding-and-defending/]
The inaugural edition of the IIPKL was on 13 May at [[Pune]], India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iipkl.com/press-releases/indo-international-premier-kabaddi-league-grand-opening|title=Indo International Premier Kabaddi League Grand Opening |website= IIPKL |access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> The title for the inaugural season was won by the Bangalore Rhinos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/news/bangalore-rhinos-become-champions-indo-international-premier-kabaddi-league|title=Bangalore Rhinos become Champions in the Indo International Premier Kabaddi League |website=Kabaddi Adda |access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref>


===Super Kabaddi League===
Additional rules are used in the Pro Kabaddi League to encourage scoring: when a defensive side has three or fewer players remaining, tackles are worth two points instead of one. Furthermore, if a team performs two empty raids in a row, the next raider must score a point ("do-or-die raid"), or else they will be declared out and the opposing team will score a point.<ref name="kabaddiikf" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name="indianexpress-everything" />
{{Main|Super Kabaddi League}}
In May 2018, the [[Super Kabaddi League]] was first held in Pakistan, as part of a larger push to promote renewed interest in the sport in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Safi |first=Alam Zeb |date=25 November 2018 |title=The importance of professional leagues |language=en-US |work=The News on Sunday |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/566768-importance-professional-leagues#:~:text=Sports%20leagues%20are%20very,sports%20success%20of%20that%20nation. |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Patwardhan |first=Deepti |date=26 June 2018 |title=Beleaguered no more: Kabaddi gains popularity in Pakistan |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2018/jun/26/beleaguered-no-more-kabaddi-gains-popularity-in-pakistan-1833688.html |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/923696/kabaddi-league-pakistanis-axed-from-roster-2/|title=Kabaddi league: Pakistanis axed from roster|date=21 July 2015|work=The Express Tribune| language=en-US|access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref>


===Asian Kabaddi Championship===
==== Indo International Premier Kabaddi League ====
{{Main|Asian Kabaddi Championship}}
The inaugural edition of the IIPKL was on 13 May 2019 at [[Pune]], India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indo International Premier Kabaddi League Grand Opening |url=http://www.iipkl.com/press-releases/indo-international-premier-kabaddi-league-grand-opening |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813080553/http://www.iipkl.com/press-releases/indo-international-premier-kabaddi-league-grand-opening |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=8 August 2019 |website=IIPKL}}</ref> The title for the inaugural season was won by the Bangalore Rhinos.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/news/bangalore-rhinos-become-champions-indo-international-premier-kabaddi-league |title=Bangalore Rhinos become Champions in the Indo International Premier Kabaddi League |website=Kabaddi Adda |access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref>
[[Kabaddi Asia Cup|AKC]]'s tenth season was played in [[Gorgan]], [[Iran]], in 2017 in which India won its tenth gold by defeating Pakistan in the finals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2017 |title=Asian Kabaddi Championship 2017: Ajay Thakur-inspired India thump Pakistan in final to win men's title |work=Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/asian-kabaddi-championship-2017-ajay-thakur-inspired-india-thump-pakistan-in-final-to-win-mens-title-4228729.html |access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>


===Kabaddi Masters===
==== Super Kabaddi League ====
{{main|2018 Dubai Kabaddi Masters}}
{{Main|Super Kabaddi League}}
The inaugural edition of the Kabaddi Masters was held in [[Dubai]], 22–30 June 2018. It was the first kabaddi tournament to be held in the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]. It featured 6 teams. India won the tournament by defeating Iran in the final with a scoreline of 44–26, with the Indian Defense outperforming the Iran Defense.<ref>{{Cite web| url= http://www.kabaddiadda.com/dubai-kabaddi-masters-2018/match15-india-vs-iran| title= Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 - Match 15 - INDIA vs IRAN |website= Kabaddi Adda| language= en| access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref>


===Junior World Kabaddi championship===
In May 2018, the [[Super Kabaddi League]] was first held in Pakistan, as part of a larger push to promote renewed interest in the sport in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Safi |first=Alam Zeb |date=25 November 2018 |title=The importance of professional leagues |language=en-US |work=The News on Sunday |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/566768-importance-professional-leagues#:~:text=Sports%20leagues%20are%20very,sports%20success%20of%20that%20nation. |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Patwardhan |first=Deepti |date=26 June 2018 |title=Beleaguered no more: Kabaddi gains popularity in Pakistan |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2018/jun/26/beleaguered-no-more-kabaddi-gains-popularity-in-pakistan-1833688.html |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/923696/kabaddi-league-pakistanis-axed-from-roster-2/ |title=Kabaddi league: Pakistanis axed from roster |date=21 July 2015 |work=The Express Tribune |language=en-US |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref>
{{Main|2019 Junior Kabaddi World Cup}}
The inaugural Junior Kabaddi World Championship was held in [[Kish island]], [[Iran]], 11–14 November 2019. It featured 13 teams.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83551158/Iran-beat-Thailand-in-1st-Junior-World-Kabaddi-Championship| title=Iran beats Thailand|work=en.irna.ir|date=23 June 2018|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> Iran won the tournament by defeating Kenya in the final, 42–22. Team India did not participate in this tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Navneet |date=28 July 2020 |title=Team India did not participate |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/kabaddi-hit-by-protracted-court-battles/story-Ka74LelE6mqXO13AXAnNwM.html |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>


===Yuva Kabaddi Series===
==== Yuva Kabaddi Series ====
{{Main|Yuva Kabaddi Series}}
{{Main category|Yuva Kabaddi Series}}
Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) is a franchise-based junior-category kabaddi tournament in India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-27 |title=Visually impaired players showcase brilliant kabaddi skills at Yuva Kabaddi Series' exhibition match |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/visually-impaired-players-showcase-brilliant-kabaddi-skills-at-yuva-kabaddi-series-exhibition-match/articleshow/104763075.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-01 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It is for players who are under 23 years old and below {{Convert|80|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-15 |title=Ashu Malik Among 18 Yuva Kabaddi Series Players Rule The Roast At Pro Kabaddi League 10 Auction |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/sports/ashu-malik-among-18-yuva-kabaddi-series-players-rule-the-roast-at-pro-kabaddi-league-10-auction-10107402 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series: Visually impaired players showcase kabaddi skills at exhibition match |work=MyKhel |url=https://www.mykhel.com/kabaddi/yuva-kabaddi-series-visually-impaired-players-showcase-kabaddi-skills-at-exhibition-match-241719.html}}</ref> The inaugural Yuva Kabaddi Series was conducted in Jaipur in June 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series SE 2022 Full Match Schedule, Highlights, Live Score and More |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/tournament/107-yuva-kabaddi-series-se-2022/schedule |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref> and was broadcast on OTT platform [[FanCode]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Ashu Malik along with 17 other Yuva Kabaddi Series players found buyers in PKL 10 auction |url=https://khelnow.com/kabaddi/2023-10-pkl-10-auction-yuva-kabaddi-series-players-sold |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Khel Now |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-10-06 |title=DD Sports to telecast fast-paced action of Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/sports/dd-sports-to-telecast-fast-paced-action-of-yuva-kabaddi-series-2023-231006 |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=www.indiantelevision.com |language=en}}</ref> It is the second-largest kabaddi tournament in India, and the largest tournament in India in terms of number of matches played per year.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}


Yuva Kabaddi Series is a long duration tournament for the youth players of India. Only players under 23 years of age and under 80 kg in weight. The inaugural Yuva Kabaddi Series was conducted in Jaipur in June 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series SE 2022 Full Match Schedule, Highlights, Live Score and More |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/tournament/107-yuva-kabaddi-series-se-2022/schedule |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref> Three tournaments were conducted in 2022: Summer Edition in Jaipur, Monsoon Edition at Ranchi,<ref>{{Cite web |last=TheSportsGrail |date=10 September 2022 |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series Monsoon Edition 2022 Schedule, Date, Time, Teams List, Points Table, Venue, Squads Players List, Live Streaming |url=https://thesportsgrail.com/yuva-kabaddi-series-monsoon-edition-2022-schedule-date-time-teams-list-points-table-venue-squads-players-list-live-streaming/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=The SportsGrail |language=en}}</ref> and Winter Edition at Pondicherry; and two in 2023: the KMP YKS<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mhatre |first=Roshan |date=19 March 2023 |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series 4th Edition to begin on 30th March 2023 |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/yuva-kabaddi-series-4th-edition-begin-30th-march-2023-will-live-streaming-fancode-app |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref> in Maharashtra<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2023 |title=Ahmednagar District Periyar Panthers Clinched The Title Of Yuva Kabaddi Series Inter District Youth League 2023 |url=https://khelkabaddi.in/ahmednagar-district-periyar-panthers-clinched-the-title-of-yuva-kabaddi-series-inter-district-youth-league-2023/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Khel Kabaddi |language=en-US}}</ref> (which was won by Ahmednagar) and Summer Edition Mysore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2023 |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series Summer Edition 2023 points table: Know the latest standings |url=https://www.sportsadda.com/kabaddi/news/yuva-kabaddi-series-summer-edition-2023-latest-points-table-standings |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=SportsAdda |language=en}}</ref> For the first time in the history of Indian kabaddi, players from the North East will be playing in a tournament of this stature.
Four seasonal editions are held every year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series set for dazzling return with power packed Monsoon edition in 2023 |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/articles/yuva-kabaddi-series-set-dazzling-return-power-packed-monsoon-edition-2023 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref> Three tournaments were conducted in 2022: Summer Edition in Jaipur, Monsoon Edition at Ranchi,<ref>{{Cite web |last=The SportsGrail |date=10 September 2022 |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series Monsoon Edition 2022 Schedule, Date, Time, Teams List, Points Table, Venue, Squads Players List, Live Streaming |url=https://thesportsgrail.com/yuva-kabaddi-series-monsoon-edition-2022-schedule-date-time-teams-list-points-table-venue-squads-players-list-live-streaming/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=The SportsGrail |language=en}}</ref> and Winter Edition at Pondicherry; and two in 2023: the KMP YKS in Maharashtra<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2023 |title=Ahmednagar District Periyar Panthers Clinched The Title Of Yuva Kabaddi Series Inter District Youth League 2023 |url=https://khelkabaddi.in/ahmednagar-district-periyar-panthers-clinched-the-title-of-yuva-kabaddi-series-inter-district-youth-league-2023/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Khel Kabaddi |language=en-US}}</ref> (which was won by Ahmednagar) and Summer Edition Mysore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2023 |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series Summer Edition 2023 points table: Know the latest standings |url=https://www.sportsadda.com/kabaddi/news/yuva-kabaddi-series-summer-edition-2023-latest-points-table-standings |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=SportsAdda |language=en}}</ref> For the first time in the history of Indian kabaddi, players from the [[Northeast India|North East]] will be playing in a tournament of this stature.


Yuva Kabaddi Series was founded by [[U Mumba|uMumba]] CEO Suhail Chandhok and Vikas Kumar Gautam<ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=10 March 2023 |title=PKL 2023: U Mumba appoints sports commentator Suhail Chandok as new CEO ahead of Pro Kabaddi League 2023 - Check Out |url=https://www.insidesport.in/pkl-2023-u-mumba-appoints-sports-commentator-suhail-chandok-as-new-ceo-ahead-of-pro-kabaddi-league-2023-check-out/,%20https://www.insidesport.in/pkl-2023-u-mumba-appoints-sports-commentator-suhail-chandok-as-new-ceo-ahead-of-pro-kabaddi-league-2023-check-out/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=www.insidesport.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
Each edition is contested over several rounds, with teams eliminated in each round, and the Summit Round acting as the playoffs of the tournament and leading to the final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series is a good experiment for the sport of Kabaddi |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/articles/yuva-kabaddi-series-good-experiment-sport-kabaddi |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Everything you need to know about Yuva Kabaddi Series |url=http://www.kabaddiadda.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-yuva-kabaddi-series |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Kabaddi Adda |language=en}}</ref> Several players who started off in YKS have gone on to play at higher levels of kabaddi competition, such as the Pro Kabaddi League (through the New Young Player initiative)<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 is scheduled to commence on September 24th |url=https://khelnow.com/kabaddi/2023-09-yuva-kabaddi-series-2023-start-date |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Khel Now |language=English}}</ref> and the Junior Kabaddi World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Industry |first=Biz |date=2023-09-26 |title=CARS24 Drives Support for Young Kabaddi Talent as Title Sponsor for Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 |url=https://www.bizindustry.in/post/cars24-drives-support-for-young-kabaddi-talent-as-title-sponsor-for-yuva-kabaddi-series-2023 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Biz Industry |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Ashu Malik among 18 Yuva Kabaddi Series players signed by franchises during PKL auction |work=ANI |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/others/ashu-malik-among-18-yuva-kabaddi-series-players-signed-by-franchises-during-pkl-auction20231013193636/}}</ref>


===European Kabaddi championship===
Yuva Kabaddi Series was founded by [[U Mumba|uMumba]] CEO Suhail Chandhok and Vikas Kumar Gautam.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=10 March 2023 |title=PKL 2023: U Mumba appoints sports commentator Suhail Chandok as new CEO ahead of Pro Kabaddi League 2023 - Check Out |url=https://www.insidesport.in/pkl-2023-u-mumba-appoints-sports-commentator-suhail-chandok-as-new-ceo-ahead-of-pro-kabaddi-league-2023-check-out/,%20https://www.insidesport.in/pkl-2023-u-mumba-appoints-sports-commentator-suhail-chandok-as-new-ceo-ahead-of-pro-kabaddi-league-2023-check-out/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=www.insidesport.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
The first edition of European Kabaddi Championship was held in [[Scotland]] in 2019. The final match was between [[Poland national kabaddi team|Poland]] and [[Netherlands|Holland]], Poland won the tournament. Final score was Poland 47–27 Holland.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poland wins European Kabaddi Championships|url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-wins-european-kabaddi-championships-8133|access-date=3 June 2021|website=www.thefirstnews.com|language=en}}</ref> The second edition was held in [[Cyprus]] in 2021 which was organized by [[World Kabaddi Federation]]. Poland retained their title by beating hosts Cyprus in the final, 29-15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldkabaddi.org/blog/live-blog-day-2-european-kabaddi-championships/|title= Live Blog: Day 2 European Kabaddi Championships|date= 31 October 2021|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> [[Italy]] is set to host the third edition in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Italy to host the third edition of European Kabaddi Championships |url=http://www.theworldkabaddi.org/events/italy-to-host-the-third-edition-of-european-kabaddi-championships/ |access-date=8 February 2022 |website=theworldkabaddi.org|date=8 February 2022 }}</ref>


==Popularity==
==Popularity==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2021}}
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2021}}
Kabaddi is a popular sport in the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=dirango |date=7 September 2018 |title=Pro Kabaddi League Drives Surge in Interest for India’s Fastest-Growing Sport |url=https://nielsensports.com/pro-kabaddi-league-drives-surge-interest-indias-fastest-growing-sport/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Nielsen Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> The governing federation for kabaddi in India is the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), which was founded in 1973 and compiled a standard set of rules. The governing body for kabaddi in Pakistan is Pakistan Kabaddi Federation.


In [[Bangladesh]], Kabaddi is known with a different name called "Ha-du-du". Ha-du-du has no definite rules and is played with different rules in different areas. Kabaddi is the [[national sport]] of Bangladesh, given official status in 1972.<ref name="bpedia">{{cite book|title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |first= Gofran| last= Faroqi| chapter-url= http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Kabadi|chapter=Kabadi|publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of Bangladesh was formed in 1973.
=== Indian subcontinent ===
[[File:Kabaddi on the beach (16062994543).jpg|thumb|[[Beach kabaddi]] being played on the coast of [[Gujarat]]]]
Kabaddi is a popular sport in the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=dirango |date=7 September 2018 |title=Pro Kabaddi League Drives Surge in Interest for India's Fastest-Growing Sport |url=https://nielsensports.com/pro-kabaddi-league-drives-surge-interest-indias-fastest-growing-sport/ |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Nielsen Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> The governing federation for [[kabaddi in India]] is the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), which was founded in 1973 and compiled a standard set of rules. Kabaddi is the second-most popular sport in India, with the [[Pro Kabaddi League]] being watched by hundreds of millions of people each year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sudevan |first=Praveen |date=2022-10-27 |title=How Pro Kabaddi made kabaddi the most-watched sport in India after cricket |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/how-pro-kabaddi-made-kabaddi-the-most-watched-sport-in-india-after-cricket/article66052306.ece |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The governing body for kabaddi in Pakistan is Pakistan Kabaddi Federation.


In Iran, the Community of Kabaddi was formed in 1996 (the same year they joined the Asian Kabaddi Federation), and in 2001 they joined the International Kabaddi Federation. The Iran Amateur Kabaddi Federation was formed in 2004.
In [[Bangladesh]], Kabaddi is known with a different name called "Ha-du-du". Ha-du-du has no definite rules and is played with different rules in different areas. Kabaddi is the [[national sport]] of Bangladesh, given official status in 1972.<ref name="bpedia">{{cite book |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |first=Gofran |last=Faroqi |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Kabadi |chapter=Kabadi |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of Bangladesh was formed in 1973.


Kabaddi is among the national sports of Nepal. Kabaddi is played and taught in most primary schools beginning in about the third grade in most Nepali schools. Kabaddi was also played by the [[British Army]] for fun, to keep fit and as an enticement to recruit soldiers from the British Asian community. Kabaddi was brought to United Kingdom by [[Bangladeshis|Bangladeshi]], [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian]], [[Pakistanis|Pakistani]], [[Nepal]]i and [[Sri Lanka]]n immigrants.
==== Nepal ====
Kabaddi is among the national sports of Nepal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tower |first=Nikole |date=1 October 2018 |title=Ancient game of Kabaddi is India's fastest-growing sport |url=https://live-global-sport-matter.ws.asu.edu/culture/2018/10/01/ancient-game-kabaddi-india-fastest-growing-sport/ |access-date=10 April 2025 |website=Global Sport Matters |publisher=Arizona State University}}</ref> Kabaddi is played and taught in most primary schools beginning in about the third grade in most Nepali schools.


== Media ==
From 2025, [[Nepal Kabaddi League]] has begun as the fourth sports franchise league ever been established after Cricket, Football and Volleyball. It is the benchmark in the history of sports in Nepal which has been organised by Astrionix Management.


=== Movies ===
The inaugural season features top international players from [[Thailand]], [[Kenya]], [[Bangladesh]] and [[Sri Lanka]].
* ''[[Okkadu]]'' (Telugu; 2003): A state-level kabaddi player trying to prove to his parents that he can be successful in it. The film was subsequently remade in four other Indian languages. It has since been remade in Tamil as ''[[Ghilli]]'' and Kannada as [[Ajay (2006 film)|''Ajay'']].
*''[[Student of the Year 2]]'' (Hindi; 2019): A kabaddi player tries to become student of the year.
*''[[Panga (film)|Panga]]'' (Hindi; 2020): A former kabaddi world champion attempts a comeback after being a mother for 7 years.
*''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]'' (Hindi; 1997): Rajiv and Arjun play a kabaddi match to ensure that Ganga remains Rajiv's fiancé.


=== Television ===
The women's national Kabaddi team of Nepal won the [https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2023/10/06/nepal-women-s-kabaddi-team-bag-bronze-at-asian-games historic bronze medal]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nepal women's kabaddi team bag bronze at Asian Games |url=https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2023/10/06/nepal-women-s-kabaddi-team-bag-bronze-at-asian-games |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}}</ref> in the 19th Asian Games.
* ''[[Burning Kabaddi]]'' (2021): A Japanese anime about a high school Kabaddi team. It is based on the [[Burning Kabaddi|manga of the same name]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Burning Kabaddi Sports TV Anime's Promo Video Streamed|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-12-15/burning-kabaddi-sports-tv-anime-promo-video-streamed/.167479|access-date=6 August 2021|website=Anime News Network|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 June 2021|title=Burning Kabaddi: 10 Ways It Gets Kabaddi Right|url=https://screenrant.com/burning-kabaddi-ways-it-gets-kabaddi-right/|access-date=6 August 2021|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=灼熱カバディ｜テレビ東京アニメ公式|url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/kabaddi/episode/|access-date=6 August 2021|website=www.tv-tokyo.co.jp|language=ja}}</ref>
 
*''Massage Detective Joe'' (2017): In the seventh episode of this Japanese TV show, massage therapist Joe deduces with his extraordinary skills as a massage detective that the killer must be a Kabaddi player. After that, an introduction to Kabaddi is given to the Japanese audience.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Massage Detective Joe: Episode 7|url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp.e.ck.hp.transer.com/mt_jyo/smp/story/story07.html|access-date=21 June 2023|website=TV Tokyo|language=en}}</ref>
=== Internationally ===
Kabaddi was also played by the [[British Army]] for fun, to keep fit and as an enticement to recruit soldiers from the British Asian community. Kabaddi was brought [[Kabaddi in the United Kingdom|to the United Kingdom]] by its [[South Asians in the United Kingdom|South Asian diaspora]] ([[Bangladeshi diaspora|Bangladeshi]], [[Indian diaspora|Indian]], [[Pakistani diaspora|Pakistani]], [[Nepali diaspora|Nepali]] and [[Sri Lankan diaspora|Sri Lankan]] immigrants).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kabaddi gaining popularity in Britain |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/kabaddi-gaining-popularity-in-britain-400415 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=NDTV}}</ref>
 
In the 21st century, South Korea is one of the fastest-rising nations in international kabaddi, having beaten India in the opening match of the [[2016 Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)|2016 Kabaddi World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-10-20 |title=Grassroots initiatives, self-belief reasons behind rise of Korea |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2016/Oct/20/grassroots-initiatives-self-belief-reasons-behind-rise-of-korea-1529876.html |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
* [[Tag (game)]]
** [[Kho kho]]
** [[Punjabi kabaddi|Punjabi (circle-style) kabaddi]]
** [[Capture the flag]]
* [[Jallikattu]]


<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
== Notes ==
{{div col|colwidth=20em|small=yes}}
{{Notelist}}
*[[Jallikattu]]
*[[Ghilli]]
*[[Kabaddi in India]]
*[[Kho kho]]
*[[Punjabi Kabaddi]]
{{div col end}}
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->


==References==
==References==
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== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last= |first= |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c79aDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT634 |title=Limca Book of Records: India at Her Best |date=2018 |publisher=Hachette India |isbn=978-93-5195-240-4 |chapter=Kabaddi}}
* {{Cite book |last= |first= |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c79aDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT634 |title=Limca Book of Records: India at Her Best |date=2018 |publisher=Hachette India |isbn=978-93-5195-240-4 |chapter=Kabaddi}}


==External links==
==External links==


 
{{commons category}}
* [http://worldkabaddi.org/ World Kabaddi]
* [http://worldkabaddi.org/ World Kabaddi Federation]
* {{Official website|http://www.asiankabaddi.org|Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation official website}}
* {{Official website|http://www.asiankabaddi.org|Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation official website}}
* {{Official website|http://www.indiankabaddi.org|Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) official website}}
* {{Official website|http://www.indiankabaddi.org|Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) official website}}
* [https://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/09/20/nyregion/20200920KABBADI.html "A Game Called Kabbadi"], slideshow by ''[[The New York Times]]''
* [https://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/09/20/nyregion/20200920KABBADI.html "A Game Called Kabbadi"], slideshow by ''[[The New York Times]]''
* {{Official website|https://meragarh.com/2022/12/23/kabaddi-game-rules/ official website}}
* {{Official website|https://meragarh.com/2022/12/23/kabaddi-game-rules/ official website}}


{{International Kabaddi}}
{{International Kabaddi}}
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{{Team Sport}}
{{Team Sport}}
{{Symbols of Bangladesh}}
{{Symbols of Bangladesh}}
{{Pakistan topics}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:National symbols of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:National symbols of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Traditional sports of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Traditional sports of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Traditional sports of Iran]]
[[Category:Team sports]]
[[Category:Tag variants]]
[[Category:Indian inventions]]

Latest revision as of 09:44, 25 March 2026


For other uses, see Kabaddi (disambiguation).

Kabaddi
Kabaddi being played at the 2018 Asian Games
Highest governing bodyInternational Kabaddi Federation
World Kabaddi
NicknamesKai Pidi, Sadugudu, Kaudi, Pakaada, Ha-du-du, Bhavatik, Saadukuda, Hu-Tu-Tu, Himoshika
Characteristics
ContactFull
Team members7 (players per side form a team)
Mixed genderNo, competitions are separate for male and female
TypeTeam sport, Contact sport
EquipmentNo
VenueKabaddi court
GlossaryGlossary of kabaddi terms
Presence
Country or regionIndian subcontinent[1]
OlympicDemonstration sport: 1936 Olympics
World ChampionshipsKabaddi World Cup (IKF)
Kabaddi World Cup (World Kabaddi)
Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)

Kabaddi (/kəˈbædi/,[2] /ˈkʌbədi/)[3] is a contact team sport played between two teams of seven players. It is one of the traditional games of South Asia.[4] In the game, a raider enters the opposing half of the court to tag the defenders and attempt to return within 30 seconds without being tackled. Points are awarded for successful tags, while defenders earn a point for tackling the raider. Tagged or tackled players are temporarily out but can re-enter when their team scores. Raids alternate between teams throughout the game.

It is popular in South Asia and nearby Asian countries. Although accounts of kabaddi are found in ancient India, the game was popularised as a competitive sport in the 20th century. It is the national sport of Bangladesh.[5] It is the third most popular and viewed sport in India after cricket and football.[4][6] It is the state game of the Indian states of Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.[7]

There are two major forms: "Punjabi kabaddi", also called "circle style", consists of the traditional forms of the sport that are played outdoors on a circular field, and the "standard/rectangular style", which is played indoors on a rectangular court, and is played in major professional leagues and international competitions such as the Asian Games.

Name[edit | edit source]

This game is known by numerous names in different parts of the Indian subcontinent, such as: kabaddi or cheduguda in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; kabaddi in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala; kabaddi, komonti or ha-gu-da in West Bengal and Bangladesh; baibalaa in Maldives, kauddi-kauddi in Sindh, kabaddi in the Punjab region; hu-tu-tu in Western India, ha-do-do in Eastern India; chadakudu in South India; kapardi in Nepal; kabadi or sadugudu in Tamil Nadu; and chakgudu in Sri Lanka.[8]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The raider is required to execute each raid on a single breath; in order to prove that they are not inhaling, they are required to repeatedly chant the word "kabaddi", in a process referred to as a cant.[9][10][lower-alpha 1] The term kabaddi is from a Tamil word composed of "Kai" and "Pidi", meaning "to hold hands".[11][better source needed]

History[edit | edit source]

A commemorative stamp depicting kabaddi's first appearance in the Asian Games in 1990

Ancient era[edit | edit source]

Ronojoy Sen speculates in his book Nation At Play that kabaddi originated during the Vedic period (between 1500 BC and 500 BC).[4] There are accounts of both Siddhartha Gautama and Lord Krishna having played an ancient form of the sport.[12][13][14]

According to the sport's origins, kabaddi is a sport developed centered on Jallikattu.[15][16][17] A player going to the opposition is treated like a bull. It is like taming a bull without touching it, as it is mentioned in Sangam Literature that the game called Sadugudu was practised since ages.

There are also accounts of kabaddi having been played in Iran 2,000 years ago.[18][19]

Modern era[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The Iranian women's team won the 2018 Asian Games kabaddi final against India, showcasing the rise of the sport outside of South Asia.[20]

Modern kabaddi is a synthesis of the game played in various forms under different names in the Indian subcontinent.[21] India has been first credited with having helped to popularise kabaddi as a competitive sport, with the first organised competitions occurring in the 1920s,[22] their introduction to the programme of the National Games of India in 1938, the establishment of the All-India Kabaddi Federation in 1950,[22] and it being played as a demonstration sport at the inaugural 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi. These developments helped to formalise the sport, which had traditionally been played on muddy surfaces in villages,[23][24] for legitimate international competition.[12][13][14]

The first framework of rules for the sport was prepared in Maharashtra in the 1920s, with English sports serving as a model for this formalisation.[25] One of the earliest modern tournaments of the sport, the All India Kabaddi Tournament in 1923, was played according to these amended rules.[4] After being demonstrated again at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, kabaddi was added to the Asian Games programme beginning in 1990.[26]

The advent of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2014 revolutionised the standard style of the sport, with various rule changes being made; for example, whereas previously raids had no time limit other than the breathing capacity of the raider,[lower-alpha 2] the PKL rules introduced the concept of a standard 30-second time limit for every raid.[10]

Variations[edit | edit source]

Main article: Variations of kabaddi

Standard style[edit | edit source]

A kabaddi court at the 2006 Asian Games

In the international team version of kabaddi, two teams of seven members each occupy opposite halves of a court of 10 by 13 metres (33 ft × 43 ft) in the case of men and 8 by 12 metres (26 ft × 39 ft) in the case of women.[22] Each has five supplementary players held in reserve for substitution.[22] The game is played with 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime break during which the teams exchange sides.[22] During each play, known as a "raid", a player from the attacking side, known as the "raider", runs into the opposing team's side of the court and attempts to tag as many of the seven defending players as possible. The raider must cross the baulk line into the defending team's territory, and then return to their half of the field without being tackled. (If an attacker touches a defender and has not yet reached the baulk line, they do not need to reach the baulk line to score points and may return to their half of the court.)[27] While raiding, the raider must loudly chant kabaddi, confirming to referees that the raid is completed on a single breath without inhaling. Each raid has a 30-second time limit.[28][29][30][31]

A point is scored for each defender tagged; tags can be made with any part of the raider's body by touching any part of the defender's body.[32][33] If the raider steps beyond the bonus line marked in the defending team's territory when there are six or more players, they earn an additional point known as a bonus point (the bonus point is only scored if the raider's trailing foot is in the air while they step over the line).[10] If the raider is successfully stopped (tackled), the opposing team earns a point instead. All players tagged or tackled are taken out of the game, but one is "revived" for each point a team scores from a subsequent tag or tackle. However, bonus points do not revive players. In addition, players who step out of the boundary are out. However, the boundary of the field can vary mid-raid; there are two strips on either side of the court known as "lobby areas" which only become part of the field of play in raids where the raider touches an opponent.[10]

A raid where no points are scored by the raider is referred to as an "empty raid". By contrast, a play where the raider scores three or more points is referred to as a "super raid". If a team gets all seven players on the opposing team out ("All Out"), they earn two additional points and then all the opposition players are placed back in the game.[28][29][30][31]

In the event of a tie, PKL rules stipulate (for playoff matches) that each team is to perform five raids on the other team, with no time limits involved, no players being dismissed or revived, and the baulk line being simultaneously treated as a bonus line.[34]

Styles of Indian kabaddi[edit | edit source]

A circle kabaddi match being played in Bhimber

There are four major forms of Indian kabaddi recognised by some amateur federation.[8]

  • In Sanjeevani Kabaddi, one player is revived against one player of the opposite team who is out. The game is played over 40 minutes with a five-minute break between halves. There are seven players on each side and the team that outs all the players on the opponent's side scores four extra points.
  • In Gaminee style, seven players play on each side and a player put out has to remain out until all his team members are out. The team that is successful in outing all the players of the opponent's side secures a point. The game continues until five or seven such points are secured and has no fixed time duration.
  • Punjabi kabaddi is a variation that is played on a circular pitch of a diameter of 22 metres (72 ft).[35]

Beach kabaddi[edit | edit source]

The Beach kabaddi variant is played in two 15-minute halves by two teams of four players who are not allowed to wear shoes and is played on levelled ground of sand either on seas shore or river banks.[36][37] It is played at an international level in competitions such as the Asian Beach Games.[38]

Indoor kabaddi[edit | edit source]

The Indoor kabaddi variant is played in two 15-minute halves by two teams of five players and is a shorter variant of standard style kabaddi. It is played at an international level in competitions such as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.[39][40]

Governance[edit | edit source]

International kabaddi organisations[edit | edit source]

An international governing body called the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has been established for the sport.

Another kabaddi organisation named the World Kabaddi Federation was founded in 2003 and formally incorporated in 2005.[41]

A different organisation called World Kabaddi was founded in 2018. It held its own Kabaddi World Cup competition in 2019 in Malacca, Malaysia, followed by its 2025 Kabaddi World Cup event in March 2025 in West Midlands, England.

Major competitions[edit | edit source]

International competitions[edit | edit source]

IKF Kabaddi World Cup[edit | edit source]

Main article: Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)

The Kabaddi World Cup is an outdoor international standard style kabaddi competition conducted by the IKF, contested by national teams.

In 2024, it announced a plan to hold a 2025 Kabaddi World Cup in India in January 2025. The IKF men's competition has been previously contested in 2004, 2007 and 2016. All three of these tournaments were held in India and were won by India, and all had Iran as runner-up. To clinch the title in 2016, India defeated Iran by 38–29 in the final of the championship game.[42][43]

The IKF has also held one women's World Cup event. It was held in 2012 in India. It was also won by India.

Junior Kabaddi World Cup[edit | edit source]

Main article: Junior Kabaddi World Cup

The inaugural Kabaddi World Cup organised by the IKF was held in Kish Island, Iran, 11–14 November 2019. It featured 13 teams.[44] Iran won the tournament by defeating Kenya in the final, 42–22. Team India did not participate in this tournament.[45]

Asian Games[edit | edit source]

Main article: Kabaddi at the Asian Games
(video) Kabaddi being played in Japan, 2015

Kabaddi was played as a demonstration event at the First Asian Games in 1951,[12][13][14] and again in 1982,[26] before becoming a medal event for the first time in 1990.[26]

The Indian national team won every men's and women's kabaddi competition in the Asian Games from 2002 through 2014. At the 2018 Asian Games, Iran became the first country other than India to win gold medals in kabaddi, with India's men's team winning bronze, and India's women's team being beaten by Iran to win silver.[46]

Asian Kabaddi Championship[edit | edit source]

Main article: Asian Kabaddi Championship

AKC's tenth season was played in Gorgan, Iran, in 2017 in which India won its tenth gold by defeating Pakistan in the finals.[47]

South Asian Games[edit | edit source]

page-not-found

European Kabaddi Championship[edit | edit source]

The first edition of European Kabaddi Championship was held in Scotland in 2019. The final match was between Poland and Holland, with Poland winning 47–27.[48] The second edition was held in Cyprus in 2021 and organised by the World Kabaddi Federation. Poland retained their title by beating hosts Cyprus in the final, 29–15.[49] Italy was set to host the third edition in 2022,[50] but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually happening in 2023. Poland beat England in the final to retain their title.[51]

Kabaddi Masters[edit | edit source]

Main article: 2018 Dubai Kabaddi Masters

The inaugural edition of the Kabaddi Masters was held in Dubai, 22–30 June 2018. It was the first kabaddi tournament to be held in the UAE. It featured 6 teams. India won the tournament by defeating Iran in the final with a scoreline of 44–26, with the Indian Defense outperforming the Iran Defense.[52]

Domestic competitions[edit | edit source]

Pro Kabaddi League[edit | edit source]

Main article: Pro Kabaddi League
The PKL logo

The Pro Kabaddi League was established in 2014.[53] The league modeled its business upon that of the Indian Premier League of Twenty20 cricket, with a large focus on marketing, the backing of local broadcaster Star Sports.[54] The Pro Kabaddi League quickly became a ratings success on Indian television; the 2014 season was watched by at least 435 million viewers over the course of the season, and the inaugural championship match was seen by 98.6 million viewers.[55][56]

Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, Patna Pirates, Tamil Thalaivas, UP Yoddhas, Gujrat Giants, Haryana Steelers, Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabang Delhi KC, and Telugu Titans are the 12 teams that play in the Pro Kabaddi League.

The organisers of the Pro Kabaddi League change the sport's rules and its presentation to make it more suitable for a television audience. All players in the league must be strictly under 85 kg (187 lb) in weight. When the raider scores 10 or more raid points in a single match, it is called a super 10, and they earn an extra point. If the defender successfully manages to tackle the five raiders in a single game, it is a high 5, and the team will be awarded one extra point.[1]

Additional rules are used in the Pro Kabaddi League to encourage scoring: when a defensive side has three or fewer players remaining, tackles are worth two points instead of one. Furthermore, if a team performs two empty raids in a row, the next raider must score a point ("do-or-die raid"), or else they will be declared out and the opposing team will score a point.[28][29][30][31]

Indo International Premier Kabaddi League[edit | edit source]

The inaugural edition of the IIPKL was on 13 May 2019 at Pune, India.[57] The title for the inaugural season was won by the Bangalore Rhinos.[58]

Super Kabaddi League[edit | edit source]

Main article: Super Kabaddi League

In May 2018, the Super Kabaddi League was first held in Pakistan, as part of a larger push to promote renewed interest in the sport in Pakistan.[59][60][61]

Yuva Kabaddi Series[edit | edit source]

Main category: Yuva Kabaddi Series

Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) is a franchise-based junior-category kabaddi tournament in India.[62] It is for players who are under 23 years old and below 80 kg (180 lb).[63][64] The inaugural Yuva Kabaddi Series was conducted in Jaipur in June 2022,[65] and was broadcast on OTT platform FanCode.[66][67] It is the second-largest kabaddi tournament in India, and the largest tournament in India in terms of number of matches played per year.[citation needed]

Four seasonal editions are held every year.[68] Three tournaments were conducted in 2022: Summer Edition in Jaipur, Monsoon Edition at Ranchi,[69] and Winter Edition at Pondicherry; and two in 2023: the KMP YKS in Maharashtra[70] (which was won by Ahmednagar) and Summer Edition Mysore.[71] For the first time in the history of Indian kabaddi, players from the North East will be playing in a tournament of this stature.

Each edition is contested over several rounds, with teams eliminated in each round, and the Summit Round acting as the playoffs of the tournament and leading to the final.[72][73] Several players who started off in YKS have gone on to play at higher levels of kabaddi competition, such as the Pro Kabaddi League (through the New Young Player initiative)[74] and the Junior Kabaddi World Cup.[75][76]

Yuva Kabaddi Series was founded by uMumba CEO Suhail Chandhok and Vikas Kumar Gautam.[77]

Popularity[edit | edit source]

Indian subcontinent[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Beach kabaddi being played on the coast of Gujarat

Kabaddi is a popular sport in the Indian subcontinent.[78] The governing federation for kabaddi in India is the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), which was founded in 1973 and compiled a standard set of rules. Kabaddi is the second-most popular sport in India, with the Pro Kabaddi League being watched by hundreds of millions of people each year.[79] The governing body for kabaddi in Pakistan is Pakistan Kabaddi Federation.

In Bangladesh, Kabaddi is known with a different name called "Ha-du-du". Ha-du-du has no definite rules and is played with different rules in different areas. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh, given official status in 1972.[80] The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of Bangladesh was formed in 1973.

Nepal[edit | edit source]

Kabaddi is among the national sports of Nepal.[81] Kabaddi is played and taught in most primary schools beginning in about the third grade in most Nepali schools.

From 2025, Nepal Kabaddi League has begun as the fourth sports franchise league ever been established after Cricket, Football and Volleyball. It is the benchmark in the history of sports in Nepal which has been organised by Astrionix Management.

The inaugural season features top international players from Thailand, Kenya, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The women's national Kabaddi team of Nepal won the historic bronze medal[82] in the 19th Asian Games.

Internationally[edit | edit source]

Kabaddi was also played by the British Army for fun, to keep fit and as an enticement to recruit soldiers from the British Asian community. Kabaddi was brought to the United Kingdom by its South Asian diaspora (Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Nepali and Sri Lankan immigrants).[83]

In the 21st century, South Korea is one of the fastest-rising nations in international kabaddi, having beaten India in the opening match of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.[84]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ In modern variants of kabaddi, such as the Pro Kabaddi League, raids are limited to a duration of 30 seconds.
  2. ↑ The only way for a raid to end in pre-PKL kabaddi without the raider escaping or being captured in the defensive team's half of the field was if the raider failed to hold his breath.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Kabaddi: The origin, history and evolution of the sport". sportsadda.com. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  2. ↑ Template:Cite LPD
  3. ↑ kabaddi Cambridge Dictionary
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Sudevan, Praveen (27 October 2022). "How Pro Kabaddi made kabaddi the most-watched sport in India after cricket". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "Bangladesh". Olympic Council of Asia.
  6. ↑ "The rise and rise of kabaddi, an Indian sport". The Economist. 6 October 2022. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  7. ↑ siddharth (31 December 2016). "Kabaddi Introduction, Rules, Information, History & Competitions". Sportycious. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Kabaddi | Kabbadi Rules | How to play Kabbadi | Kabbadi Players". YoGems. 29 June 2020. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  9. ↑ Shannon, Kris (14 February 2024). "The dummies guide to Pro Kabaddi". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Kabaddi: How to play India's 4000-year-old indigenous sport https://olympics.com/ Utathya Nag
  11. ↑ "Nurtured in rural Tamil Nadu, kabaddi players make a mark at World Cup". The Times of India. 4 October 2016. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Sengupta, Debdatta (22 October 2016). "The kabaddi question - whose game is it anyway?". ESPN.com. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Sen, Ronojoy (27 October 2015). Nation at Play: A History of Sport in India. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-53993-7.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Hoque, Shishir (14 December 2016). "A tale of kabaddi, Bangladesh's national sport". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  15. ↑ "'ஜல்லிக்கட்டு' ஆன 'சல்லிக்கட்டு'... தொன்மையும்‌ வரலாறும்‌ - ஒரு பார்வை". www.puthiyathalaimurai.com. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  16. ↑ ஈராயிரம் ஆண்டுகளைக் கடந்து தமிழர் வாழ்வில் அங்கமாக திகழும் ஜல்லிக்கட்டு - வரலாறு என்ன?. News18 (in தமிழ்). 13 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  17. ↑ "History of Kabbadi - Pro Kabbadi League Success Story & Song - Star India". www.disneystar.com. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  18. ↑ Schwartz, David Asa (14 June 2021). Modern Sports around the World: History, Geography, and Sociology. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. ISBN 978-1-4408-6880-1.
  19. ↑ Vaidya, Jaideep (6 September 2017). "From 'zouuu zouuu' to 'kabaddi kabaddi': Tracking Iran's journey to becoming India's biggest rival". Scroll.in. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  20. ↑ "Asian Games 2018: India's defeat reflects Kabaddi's globalisation, says coach L Srinivas Reddy". The Indian Express. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  21. ↑ Chaudhary, Vivek (2018). Kabaddi by Nature. New Delhi: Palimpsest Publishers. ISBN 978-93-82622-28-4. OCLC 1065964564.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Jha, Tarkesh. "Kabaddi: Origin, rules and the Pro Kabaddi League". Khel Now. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  23. ↑ Shukla, Kaushal (16 October 2019). "From mud to mat: How kabaddi went from India's indigenous game to multi-faceted professional sport". Scroll.in. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
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  25. ↑ Love, Adam; Dzikus, Lars (26 February 2020). "How India came to love cricket, favored sport of its colonial British rulers". The Conversation. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
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  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Sengupta, Debdatta (27 July 2017). "Kabaddi 101: Raid, defend, revive, repeat". ESPN.com. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Chandhok, Suhail (30 January 2016). "Everything you need to know about Kabaddi". The Indian Express. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  32. ↑ "Move Over IPL, Pro-Kabaddi is Here to Stay". The New Indian Express. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
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  35. ↑ Kissa 2 Kabaddi da. Sarwan Singh Sangam Publications. 2014. ISBN 978-93-83654-65-9.
  36. ↑ "Beach Kabaddi held in Urmia". Tehran Times. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
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  38. ↑ "Diversity of Sport Drives Asian Beach Games Program -- On the Scene". infobae (in español). 12 July 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  39. ↑ "AKFI Kabaddi Rules 2017" (PDF). gosportsindia.com.
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  42. ↑ "India beat Iran to clinch title". sports.ndtv.com. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
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  45. ↑ Singh, Navneet (28 July 2020). "Team India did not participate". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  46. ↑ "India's golden run ended". India Today. Reuters inputs. 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
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  48. ↑ "Poland wins European Kabaddi Championships". The First News. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
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  52. ↑ "Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 - Match 15 - INDIA vs IRAN". Kabaddi Adda. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
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  56. ↑ Khawaja, Jemayel (10 October 2016). "Simple, visceral, fun: why the ancient sport of kabaddi is enjoying a resurgence". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  57. ↑ "Indo International Premier Kabaddi League Grand Opening". IIPKL. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
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  59. ↑ Safi, Alam Zeb (25 November 2018). "The importance of professional leagues". The News on Sunday. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
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