The game Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a game that was developed 4000 years ago in India to develop self-defence skills. It is a game of strength, tackling, defending, speed, agility and aggression.

The game was introduced in the Indian Olympic Games at Calcutta in 1938. In 1950 the All India Kabaddi Federation was created and compiled a set of rules.

Although Kabaddi was invented in India it has been introduced to other countries. People still play the game Kabaddi till this day even students at school play it. It is very popular. There is even a Kabaddi World Cup competition.

To set up the game you first have to make a rectangular field which has lines of about 13 meters long and 10 meters wide. After that you divide the group in half to make two teams and put one team on each side. Ususally there are 7 players in each team. Decide which team attacks first and choose one person to be the Raider. The Raider attacks the opposite team by entering into the opponent's side and has to shout "Kabaddi" over and over again loudly and clearly. While the raider is inside he has to touch one of the opponents. People who are attacked have to try and catch the raider before he crosses back into his territory. If they catch the raider they have to restrain hi until he runs out of breath and stops saying "Kabaddi", The number of successful touches will be the point for the raider's team,

Alternate the team which attacks and repeat the same thing again and again for 15 to 20 minutes. The team which has more points than the other team will win.

Kabaddi is a popular, fun game and is played all around the world. It is a great way to learn skills you can use in other sports.