Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a team sport that started in India long ago. It is kind of like tag mixed with wrestling. Two teams take turns sending one player across a line to tag the other team. The hard part is that the player must hold their breath the whole time!

How to Play

Each team has seven players on a small court. One player, called the raider, runs into the other team's side. The raider must tag players and return home without getting caught. While raiding, the player chants 'kabaddi, kabaddi' to show they are not breathing in. If the other team tackles them, the raider is out.

Where It Is Popular

Kabaddi is very popular in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is the national sport of Bangladesh. Big games are shown on TV and watched by millions. There is even a Pro Kabaddi League with top players. Kabaddi is also part of the Asian Games.

Fun Facts

• Kabaddi has been played for more than 4,000 years.
• There are no balls, bats, or nets used in kabaddi.
• A kabaddi match only lasts about 40 minutes.

Did You Know?

Kabaddi is one of the few sports where players need to hold their breath. The chant shows the referee they are not taking in new air.