Kabaddi - A sport steeped in history



Kabaddi is a contact team sport that originated in ancient India and has been played for centuries. The game requires two teams of seven players each to take turns sending a "raider" into the opposing team's half of the court to tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own half without being tackled.

Over the years, Kabaddi has gained popularity not only in India but also in other countries throughout Asia, with many competing at the highest level in international tournaments and championships, including the upcoming Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023.

Kabaddi's roots

Kabaddi has been played in India for hundreds of years and has a rich cultural history. The game was traditionally played by farmers and villagers as a way to defend their property and settle disputes without violence. It was even used as a form of military training by the Indian army.

Today, Kabaddi has evolved into a professional sport with organized leagues and international competitions.

Understanding the rules of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a team sport that originated in ancient India and has since spread throughout Asia. It's a fast-paced and physically demanding game that requires quick reflexes and strategy. In this section, we'll cover the basic rules of Kabaddi so you can better understand the game.

How to Play

Kabaddi is played on a court that is 13 meters wide and 10 meters long. Each team has seven players, and the objective is to score points by raiding the opponent's half of the court and tagging as many defenders as possible without getting caught.

The raider must take a breath and continuously repeat the word "kabaddi" while attempting to tag defenders. The raider may only breathe once during a raid and must return to their own half of the court before taking another breath. If the raider is caught by a defender, they are out and the opposing team gets a point. If the raider successfully tags defenders and returns to their own half of the court, their team gets a point for each defender tagged.

Fouls

There are several fouls in Kabaddi that can result in a player being sent off the court. Some common fouls include:

  • Touching the opponent with anything other than the hand
  • Going out of bounds
  • Failing to repeat the word "kabaddi" during a raid

If a team has fewer than four players on the court due to fouls or other penalties, the game is forfeited.

Scoring

A team scores a point in Kabaddi by:

  • Tagging an opponent and returning to their own half of the court without being caught
  • Forcing an opponent out of bounds
  • Forcing an opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body besides their feet

The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

"Kabaddi is a thrilling sport that requires both physical prowess and mental agility. With these basic rules in mind, you'll be able to follow along and appreciate the action on the court."

Kabaddi's Popularity in Asia

Kabaddi has a long and storied history in Asia, particularly in the South Asian region. In India, it is considered one of the most popular sports, second only to cricket. Similarly, in Bangladesh and Pakistan, Kabaddi enjoys a passionate fan following.

It is not just limited to these countries, either. Kabaddi has been gaining traction in other parts of Asia as well. In 2018, the Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, featured Kabaddi for both men and women, marking a significant moment for the sport's recognition in the continent.

The Rise of Kabaddi Leagues

The popularity of Kabaddi has been further fueled by the rise of professional leagues, such as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in India. Since its inception in 2014, the league has witnessed a surge in interest, both from fans and investors. The PKL has also helped in increasing the sport's reach, with players from other countries, including Iran and South Korea, participating in the league.

Another significant development has been the emergence of the Bangladesh Premier Kabaddi League (BPKL), which was launched in 2019. The league has already carved out a dedicated fan base in the country, with top players from Bangladesh and India participating.

Kabaddi's Return to International Competitions

The inclusion of Kabaddi in the Asian Games has paved the way for other international competitions, including the upcoming Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023. The tournament will feature teams from across Asia, competing for the coveted title. Hosted by India, the championship is expected to attract a significant audience, both in-person and through broadcast.

Overall, the future looks bright for Kabaddi as it continues to gain popularity in Asia and beyond. With the emergence of professional leagues and international competitions, the sport has the potential to become a global phenomenon in the coming years.

The stadiums hosting the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023

The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 is set to take place across several stadiums in Asia, showcasing the best of the region's kabaddi talent. Here are the venues hosting the championship:

Stadium NameCity
Barabati StadiumCuttack, India
Gachibowli Indoor StadiumHyderabad, India
Al Wasl ClubDubai, UAE
Abdi Ipekci ArenaIstanbul, Turkey

Each stadium has been selected based on its ability to accommodate large crowds and provide a high-quality kabaddi experience for players and fans alike. From the historic Barabati Stadium in India to the modern Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, each venue has its own unique charm and character.

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

The Barabati Stadium is located in the city of Cuttack in the eastern state of Odisha, India. Built in 1958, the stadium has a seating capacity of 45,000 and has hosted several international cricket and football matches. Its historic significance and tradition make it an ideal location for the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023.

Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad

The Gachibowli Indoor Stadium is a modern, state-of-the-art facility located in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. It has a seating capacity of 7,000 and has hosted numerous national and international events, including the 2017 Premier Badminton League. The stadium's world-class facilities make it a perfect venue for the championship.

Al Wasl Club, Dubai

The Al Wasl Club is a multi-sport facility located in Dubai, UAE. It has a seating capacity of 12,000 and is home to various sports teams, including the Al Wasl FC football team. The venue's modern facilities and prime location make it an ideal choice for the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023.

Abdi Ipekci Arena, Istanbul

The Abdi Ipekci Arena is an indoor sports arena located in Istanbul, Turkey. It has a seating capacity of 12,500 and has hosted numerous international basketball and volleyball matches. Its central location and excellent facilities make it a great choice for the championship, showcasing kabaddi to audiences in Turkey and beyond.

Meet the teams participating in the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023

The 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship is set to bring together some of the best teams from across Asia. Here are the teams that will be competing for the championship title:

CountryRank
India1
Iran2
Pakistan3
Bangladesh4
Sri Lanka5
South Korea6
Japan7
Nepal8

India is the favorite to win the championship, having won the previous edition of the tournament in 2019. Iran and Pakistan are also strong contenders, with both teams having a strong record in the tournament. Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Japan will be looking to cause an upset and make it to the top of the table.

The teams to watch in the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023

The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 is set to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the year, featuring some of the best Kabaddi teams from across the continent. While every team has the potential to surprise, there are a few teams that are being watched closely by fans and experts alike.

India

No team has dominated Kabaddi quite like India, who have won every Asian Kabaddi Championship since its inception in 1980. With a squad full of experienced and talented players, India will be the team to beat in 2023. Led by captain Ajay Thakur, India's raiding department is particularly strong, with players like Pardeep Narwal and Rahul Chaudhari capable of single-handedly carrying the team to victory.

Iran

Iran is one of the most successful teams in Kabaddi history, having won multiple medals at the Asian Games and World Cup. They have been a constant thorn in India's side, having beaten them in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. With star players like Meraj Sheykh and Fazel Atrachali, Iran will be looking to build on their success and take home the title in 2023.

Pakistan

Pakistan is a team that always brings their A-game when it comes to big tournaments. They have a talented squad that includes players like Nasir Ali and Waqar Ali, who have proven themselves on the international stage. Pakistan's strength lies in their defense, which can shut down even the best raiders in the game. If they can get their offense firing on all cylinders, Pakistan could be a surprise package at the championship.

While these are the teams to watch, every team in the tournament has the potential to cause an upset and make a deep run. The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable tournament, showcasing the very best that the sport has to offer.

The fixtures for the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023

The schedule for the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 has been released, and fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament. The championship will take place over a period of two weeks, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the 10th of September. Here is a breakdown of the fixtures:

DateMatchVenue
11th SeptemberIndia vs Sri LankaIndira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
12th SeptemberBangladesh vs ThailandPatliputra Sports Complex, Patna
13th SeptemberPakistan vs NepalChandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh
14th SeptemberSri Lanka vs IranIndira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
15th SeptemberIndia vs BangladeshPatliputra Sports Complex, Patna
16th SeptemberThailand vs PakistanChandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh
17th SeptemberBangladesh vs Sri LankaIndira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
18th SeptemberIndia vs NepalPatliputra Sports Complex, Patna
19th SeptemberIran vs ThailandChandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh
20th SeptemberPakistan vs BangladeshIndira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
21st SeptemberNepal vs Sri LankaPatliputra Sports Complex, Patna
22nd SeptemberIndia vs IranChandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh
23rd SeptemberSemi-Final 1Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
24th SeptemberSemi-Final 2Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna
25th SeptemberFinalChandigarh Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh

It promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best teams from Asia going head to head. Make sure you don't miss any of the action!

Your questions about the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023, answered

With the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 fast approaching, we understand that you may have some questions about the event. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers:

When and where will the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 be held?

The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 will be held from August 13 to August 20 in three different stadiums across Lahore, Pakistan.

How many teams will be participating in the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023?

A total of 10 teams from different Asian countries will be participating in the championship.

Who are the favorites to win the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023?

While every team has a chance to win, India and Pakistan are traditionally strong in Kabaddi and are considered the favorites for the championship.

How can I purchase tickets for the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023?

Tickets can be purchased online through the official website of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 or at the stadium box office on the day of the match.

What COVID-19 safety measures will be in place during the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023?

The organizers of the championship are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the players and the spectators. This includes mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and regular sanitization of the stadium.

Will the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 be broadcasted on television?

Yes, the championship will be broadcasted on television in different Asian countries. Check your local listings for more information on where to watch.

We hope these answers help to clear up any confusion you may have had about the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023. Enjoy the championship and may the best team win!