Kabaddi

Kabaddi is one of the ancient games of India. This game is played all over India. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Kabaddi, and in other parts of India, it is known by many names: Chedugudu, Hu-Tu-Tu, Hadudu, and Kit-Kit.

This game needs severe practice and body strength. Breathe control, raiding, dodging, and movement of hands and feet are the basic skills that one has to acquire in order to play Kabaddi. The player has to acquire power and learn both offensive and defensive skills to excel in the game, which combines the characteristics of rugby and wrestling.

History:

The origin of Kabaddi is from Tamil Nadu; earlier, this was like a duet between two gang leaders, and the winner was decided by pushing the other outside the boundary. It is a kind of tug-of-war. Later, it developed into a group fight, and breath control was added. Even in Tamil Nadu, this game is known by different names depending on the region, such as Kabaddi, Sadugudu, Gudugudu, Palinjadugudu, and Sadugoodatthi. The word ‘Kabaddi’ could have originated from the Tamil words ‘kai’ (hand) and ‘pidi’ (catch). Even some literary works make a note of this game, where two clan people settle their disputes through playing it.

Even in the Mahabaratham, we come to know that Arjuna had a unique talent in the game of kabaddi. He could effortlessly sneak into the ‘wall’ of enemies, destroy them all, and come back unscathed. And according to Buddhist manuscripts, Lord Buddha loved to play Kabaddi, as the game helps to exhibit his strength and gives refreshment to his body muscles.

Credits of this game:

In India, kabaddi was primarily devised as a way to develop the physical strength and speed of young men. During its inception, kabaddi was played to boost self-defence skills and develop quick responsiveness to attacks.

How it is played:

In the technique of the game, there are two teams that occupy the opposite halves of a field. In turns, one team sends a ‘raider’ into the other half in order to win points. The raider, who goes inside, has to touch any one of the teammates from the other team and immediately run back to his line, without even once letting off his breath during the whole raid and chanting the word "kabaddi." On the other hand, the members of the other team have to grab the raider down before he reaches his line.