Hey there! I’m absolutely intrigued by the world of sports – particularly the crazy sport of Kabaddi, and today, I want to introduce you it. It’s not an everyday sport like football or basketball. Kabaddi is one of the oldest and most fascinating sports originating from India.
The Crazy Sport Of Kabaddi
This high-intensity contact sport is not just a game but a test of strength, agility, strategy, and breath control all at once.
Sounds strange, right? But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s super exciting!
A Brief History of Kabaddi
The origins of Kabaddi take us back around 4000 years to the Vedic period in ancient India. The sport was primarily played to develop strength, speed, and reflexes. Kabaddi was even referenced in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
The sport’s name, ‘Kabaddi’, is derived from a Tamil phrase, “kai-pidi” meaning “to hold hands”. This perfectly summarises the essence of the game. Over the centuries, Kabaddi has evolved, modernised, and gained international recognition. It is now a recognised sport in the Asian Games and demonstrated at the Berlin Olympics in 1936!
What Is the Traditional Kabaddi Playing Field?
Traditionally played in soft muddy fields, modern Kabaddi is played on specially designed mats. The mat is divided into two halves by a midline, with each team occupying one half of the field. The boundary lines mark the playing area, and there are additional lines called the baulk line and bonus line on each side of the field.
The Basic Rules of Kabaddi
The rules of Kabaddi are simple but unique. Each team has seven players, making it a 7-on-7 sport. The game involves ‘raids’ and ‘defences’. A raider from the attacking team enters the opponent’s half, chanting “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” continuously in a single breath (known as canting).
What Is The Objective?
The raider has to tag as many opponents as possible, and return to their half without being tackled. Each tagged player is out, and the raiding team earns a point for each player tagged.
Organising and Playing Kabaddi Competitions
Kabaddi competitions are organised from local tournaments to international championships. The matches typically last for 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. In case of a draw in knockout matches, a seven-minute “extra-time” match or a ‘Golden Raid’ is held to determine the winner.
Trust me, the tension during these moments is palpable!
The Common Injuries in Kabaddi
As with any contact sport, injuries are a part of Kabaddi. Common injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. But hey, don’t let this deter you! Proper training, adequate safety measures, and protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
Who Can Play Kabaddi?
The beauty of Kabaddi is that it’s a sport for everyone- regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. From school kids to professional athletes, anyone can play Kabaddi. All you need is a love for the game, a competitive spirit, and of course, a good lung capacity!
My Personal Take: Why Kabaddi is Such a Strange Yet Captivating Sport
So, why do I find Kabaddi so strange yet captivating?
Well, first off, it’s not every day that you come across a sport where you have to chant a word continuously while trying to tag your opponents, all in a single breath! The game is a perfect blend of physical strength and strategic play. The excitement of a successful raid, the thrill of a strong defence, the energy of the players, and the cheering fans all make Kabaddi a truly unique and enthralling sport.
Kabaddi is an unusual sport that’s packed with action, strategy, and excitement. It’s a sport that truly tests your physical prowess and mental agility. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun!
So, why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just end up becoming a Kabaddi enthusiast like me!
