Kabaddi is a traditional sport that originated in ancient India and has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in South Asia. It is a contact team sport played between two teams, each consisting of seven players. The game is known for its fast-paced and physically demanding nature.
**Basic Rules and Gameplay:**
1. **Teams:** Each team has seven players, divided into attackers and defenders. The team that attacks is known as the "raiding team," while the team that defends is the "defending team."
2. **Playing Area:** The playing area is typically a rectangular field with dimensions ranging from 10m x 13m to 12.5m x 18m, depending on the level of play. The field is divided into two halves, and each team takes turns defending and attacking.
3. **Raid:** A player, known as the "raider," from the attacking team enters the opposing team's half, attempting to tag as many defenders as possible and return to their half. The raider must do this while chanting the word "kabaddi" continuously and without taking a breath.
4. **Defending Team:** The defenders, also known as "antis," try to stop the raider by tackling or touching them. If the defenders successfully prevent the raider from returning to their half, the raider is declared "out" and earns points for the defending team.
5. **Points:** Points are scored when a raider successfully tags defenders and returns to their half. Each tagged defender earns one point for the raiding team. If the raider is declared "out," the defending team earns a point.
6. **Bonus Line:** A raider can score extra points by crossing the bonus line during a raid. Bonus points are awarded even if the raider is tagged by the defenders.
7. **All-Out:** When a team successfully gets all members of the opposing team out, it's called an "all-out." The team scoring an all-out earns additional points and weakens the opposing team.
8. **Switching Sides:** Teams switch roles (attackers become defenders, and vice versa) after each successful raid or when a raider is declared "out."
**Variations:**
There are different variations of kabaddi played across the world, with slight rule variations. Some popular forms include:
1. **Standard Kabaddi:** The traditional format played in South Asia and internationally.
2. **Circle Kabaddi:** Played within a circular field, and defenders form a chain by holding hands.
3. **Beach Kabaddi:** A modified version played on the beach with variations in rules and team size.