The game of Kabaddi originated in India. It is a team sport very popular in South Asia. It is said that kabaddi was first started in the state of Punjab in India. There are evidences of kabaddi being played in ancient India as well. This game is popular throughout the villages of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Nepal. Kabaddi is popular both among men and women. It is called by different names in different states of India.

Kabaddi is a game played between two teams of 12 players each. Seven players each from one team actively participates in the game. The other players are kept as reserves. The object of the game is to score points by touching or capturing the players from the opposing team. It is a game of strategy. The teams apply both offensive and defensive techniques to succeed. The players need to have good lung capacity to play the game of Kabaddi. Agility and stamina are two of the essential qualities of a successful Kabaddi player. Speed and power are two more qualities which are inculcated into the players since a very young age. Skillful dodging is frequently used as a technique in a Kabaddi game. It is a game of deft footwork. It is a simple and inexpensive game. No equipment is needed to play this game. Kabaddi is played in a small playing area as well. This is the reason why the game is so popular in many villages. It also helps the practitioners to maintain physical fitness. The duration of a Kabaddi game is divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. Each team sends a raider by turn. This raider enters the opponents’ territory and tries to touch the players. He must hold his breath for the duration of his stay in the enemy territory. The rules of the game had been different in different states. Therefore, the rules have been standardized making the rules uniform throughout the Kabaddi playing areas.

Kabaddi was included in the Beijing Asian Games in 1990. Other Asian countries including Japan and China are providing stiff competition to the traditional superpowers like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Kabaddi is not very popular in countries outside the Asian continent. Though, Asian expatriates do play the game in countries like UK and the USA. The governing bodies of the game are trying their best to popularize the game across the world. It has all the ingredients to become popular in every corner of the world. As the game requires no equipment at all, it has the potential to rope in players from even the remote villages. It can appeal to the masses. The game of kabaddi can inculcate competitive spirit among the youngsters. Kabaddi matches are held depending on the weight and age of the players.