Kabaddiis a highly energetic and interesting sport invented in India. One can say it is the perfect game for adrenaline junkies. Bangladeshis call the game Hadudu, while in the Maldives it is called Baibalaa, and Maharashtrians know it as Hututu. Kabaddi is the national game of India’s neighboring country, Bangladesh. It is one of the rare sports that can be played without any equipment. Rules of kabaddi are very simple as well. In this blog, we will look at the information related to the kabaddi game.

6 Basic rules of kabaddi and regulations

Kabaddi rules & regulations

The Playing Area of Kabaddi Field/ Kabaddi Field Measurements

• Kabaddi ground measurement and the playing surface measures 13 * 10 meters.
• The playing area is divided into two halves.
• One team occupies each half. Also, there is a wide range of surfaces from a clay court to a hard court.
• Two teams contest a match.
• Every team has a total of seven players, and both teams occupy opposite halves of the field.

Team Rules in Kabaddi

• Each side gets an alternate turn to send any one player to the opponent's side. This player is known as the raider, whereas each player on the opposing team is called a defender.
• The winner of the match is the team that manages to score the most points.

Objectives for Raiders in Kabaddi Match

• This is the first and foremost rule. The raiders should take a breath and chant 'kabaddi' without any break.
• The raider should tag a member of the opposite team and return to his half.
• They are 'out' when a player breaks breath or fails to tag the opponent team member.
• 30 seconds are available for each raid.
• If the raider fails to reach his half within time, they are out, and the opposite team gets one point.
• If the raider crosses the check line with one foot with the other one in the air, when the defending team has 6 or 7 defenders, they get a bonus point.

Objectives for Defenders in a Kabaddi Match

• The role of a tagged player is to catch the raider and prevent him/her from reaching half of the field.
• One point is given when a defender tackles the raider to prevent their return.
• Defenders must be cautious enough not to cross the centerline of the field, known as 'the lobby', while trying to catch the defender, as doing this can lead to a foul.
• Defenders should not grab or hold raiders by their clothes, hair, or any part of their body other than their limbs and torso.

Time Rule in Kabaddi: Kabaddi Match Time Duration

• A kabaddi match typically runs for 40 minutes (20 minutes each). Teams change sides after halftime.
• The officials involved in this game consist of a referee, two umpires, a scorer, and one assistant scorer.
• Referee: The referee holds the power to warn, declare a point against, or disqualify a player from the match. He has the right to overrule the decision of the umpire.
• Umpire: The decision of the umpire is final.
• Scorer: The scorer fills the score sheet and notes the timings and time-outs.
• Assistant Scorer: Keep a record of those who are out.

During a Kabaddi match, several officials play key roles to keep the game fair and running smoothly. The referee, the main official, is responsible for overseeing everything. They can make calls about fouls, give warnings, and even disqualify players if necessary. What’s interesting is that the referee can also override decisions made by other officials.

Two umpires assist the referee by watching the game closely and enforcing the rules, and their calls are usually final unless the referee steps in. There's also a scorer who tracks the points for each team, records substitutions, and monitors time-outs. An assistant scorer helps by keeping notes on players who are out or back in the game. Together, these officials help ensure that the match follows the official Kabaddi rules and runs as intended.

Basic Rules of Kabaddi: Bonus Points

• Six players must be present on the court.
• Raider gets one point when he crosses the bonus line.
• The defending team gets one point when they tackle the raider.
• There is no revival for bonus points.

Kabaddi is an exceptional game. There is no requirement for particular means, clothing, or accessories. It is one of the few games in the world that can be played indoors and outdoors. Now, as we have given the kabaddi rules book of this sport, what are you waiting for? Get up, and get started with 'Kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi'!

Conclusion

Kabaddi is much more than just a game; it's a vibrant mix of strength, agility, strategy, and energy. Originating from India, this exciting sport has crossed borders and become popular around the world, especially with leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) shining a light on it. One of the great things about Kabaddi is that it doesn't require much equipment, making it easy for anyone, whether from a bustling city or a quiet village, to join in.

The rules are straightforward and fun. Whether it's the excitement of a well-timed raid or the focus of a well-executed tackle, every play keeps everyone, from players to fans, on the edge of their seats. With clear roles for both raiders and defenders, along with set time frames and scoring systems, the game is all about fairness and intense competition.

What makes Kabaddi stand out is how inclusive it is. You don't need expensive gear or fancy locations. All you need is a flat space and enthusiastic players, ready to shout “Kabaddi, Kabaddi" with spirit. Its versatility means it can be played anywhere-indoors or outdoors-making it a fantastic sport for schools, colleges, and community gatherings.

In recent years, Kabaddi has caught the attention it deserves, thanks to professional leagues like the PKL and standout players like Pardeep Narwal and Anup Kumar. States like Haryana have been pivotal in nurturing national talents who've brought recognition to the sport.

If you're a fan of fast-paced and lively sports, Kabaddi could be just right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nails should be cut properly. The squad and players may not wear any accessories. Each team will get two timeouts, each lasting 30 seconds. In the event of a tie, the victor will be determined by the match’s 7-minute round.

Once the new regulation is in effect, a team’s match-day squad can have no more than 14 players. In the past, a squad of 12 players was permitted.

As soon as the raider crosses the midline, they must begin chanting “Kabaddi” continuously. They must continue doing so until they safely return to their half.

The judges will not judge any defender out of the mat, and they will consider the Baulk Line the Bonus line. A toss will be held to determine who advances to Golden Raid if the five raid format likewise results in a tie. The winner of the toss will then be able to decide whether to defend or raid for the golden raid.

Haryana is considered the best state in Kabaddi. It has produced many great players like Sandeep Narwal, Deepak Niwas Hooda, Anup Kumar, Pradeep Narwal, etc.

Pardeep Narwal is the most successful raider in the PKL, having amassed almost 1700 raid points.