Kabaddi is an indigenous sport that originated in ancient India and is now popular in many countries around the world. The word “Kabaddi” is derived from the Tamil word “kai-pidi,” which means “holding hands.” The game involves two teams of seven players each, who take turns sending a “raider” into the opponent’s half of the court to try and touch as many defenders as possible before returning to his own half. The defenders try to stop the raider by tackling him and preventing him from returning to his half.
Kabaddi has a long history in India, with references to the sport found in ancient Indian scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was played as a recreational activity in villages and towns across the country for centuries. However, it was only in the early 20th century that the sport began to be organized on a formal level.
The All India Kabaddi Federation was established in 1950, and the first national championship was held in Chennai in 1952. The sport gained further popularity in the following years, with the formation of state-level associations and the inclusion of Kabaddi in the school and college curriculum.
In 2004, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was launched, which marked a turning point in the history of Indian Kabaddi. The league brought in professional players, modern training methods, and international exposure to the sport, which resulted in a surge in its popularity. Today, Kabaddi is one of the most-watched sports in India, with a large following not only in the country but also in other countries such as Iran, Bangladesh, and South Korea.
India has been a dominant force in Kabaddi, winning all but one of the Kabaddi World Cups held so far. The Indian men’s and women’s teams have also won gold medals in Kabaddi at the Asian Games and South Asian Games multiple times.
