Introduction to the Sports Kabadi and Why Learn About it.
The Sport Kabaddi is a thrilling team sport that combines strength, speed and strategy. New fans often ask “what is kabaddi” or “how do you play kabaddi?” Understanding its basic rules and key terms makes watching and playing more fun. This guide covers everything from what kabaddi is called in English to lines on the court like the baulk line, and special moves such as lona. By the end, beginners will feel ready to join a match or cheer at a Pro Kabaddi League game.
What Is Kabaddi – The Basics Explained
What is kabaddi called in English
In English this sport often goes by its original name—kabaddi—but it is sometimes described as “tag‑raid” for its blending of tagging opponents and raiding their half. The name comes from the Punjabi and Tamil words for holding one’s breath while chanting “kabaddi.”
What kabaddi looks like on the field
Two teams of seven face each other on a rectangular court (13 m × 10 m for men). A single raider crosses mid‑court, chants continuously, and tries to tag defenders before returning. Each successful tag scores a point; each successful tackle by defenders also scores. Matches run two 20‑minute halves with a 5‑minute break.
Where Kabaddi Began and Why It Matters
Kabaddi is the national game of which country
Kabaddi holds official status as the national sport of Bangladesh and enjoys deep roots in India. Formal rules appeared in 1923, and by 1972, Bangladesh declared kabaddi its national game.
About kabaddi in English – a quick history
Kabaddi traces back over 4,000 years to the Vedic period. Ancient texts like the Mahabharata describe raids similar to modern kabaddi. In prehistoric times, warriors used these drills for reflex training. The first organized tournament took place in 1923 in Baroda, and kabaddi debuted as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India formed in 1950 to standardize rules, leading to Asian Games inclusion in 1990.
How Do You Play Kabaddi – Core Rules
What is kabaddi rules – scoring and fouls
Court and Teams
- Court size: A rectangular court. For men it’s 13 m × 10 m; for women 12 m × 8 m.
- Teams: Each team has seven players on court and up to five substitutes on the bench.
Objective
- Teams take turns sending one raider into the opposing half to tag defenders and return safely.
- Defenders work together to stop the raider before they cross back.
Match Structure
- Duration: Two halves, each 20 minutes long, with a 5 minute break.
- Possession: Each raid must start within 30 seconds of the previous one ending.
The Raid
- Start: Raider crosses the mid‑court line chanting “kabaddi… kabaddi” without breaks.
- Tag: Each touch on a defender scores 1 point for the raider’s team.
- Return: Raider must cross back over the mid‑court line before inhaling or pausing the chant.
Defending and Tackles
- Defenders’ goal: Stop the raider by wrestling, holding or blocking until the chant stops or the raider steps out.
- Point: Successful tackle = 1 point for defenders’ team. Tackles can be ankle holds, thigh holds or body blocks.
Scoring and Special Moves
- Tag point: 1 point per defender tagged.
- Tackle point: 1 point per successful tackle.
- Bonus line: A short line near the edge; crossing it with one foot (while chant continues and at least one defender is present) earns 1 bonus point.
- Lona (all‑out): If all seven defenders are tagged in one raid, the raider’s team gets 2 bonus points and all “out” players on both sides return to play.
Fouls and Outs
- Out: A raider is out if they stop chanting, inhale, step out of bounds, or are tackled successfully.
- Self‑out: Stepping on or beyond the boundary lines while raiding sends the raider out, even if no defender tags them.
- Fouls: Illegal moves—hair‑pulling, kicking, or dangerous tackles—lead to immediate out and possible suspension for the player.
Revival
- Each time a team scores (through tag, tackle, bonus), one of its out‑players returns to the court. This keeps team strength dynamic throughout the match.
Winning the Match
- The team with more points at the end of two halves wins.
- In knockout or tie‑breaker situations, a golden raid (sudden‑death raid) may decide the winner.
What is baulk line in kabaddi
The baulk line sits three‑quarters into the defending half. A raid only scores if the raider crosses this line before returning. It prevents minimal tag attempts at the boundary and ensures fair play.
What is lona in kabaddi
A lona happens when the raider or defenders eliminate every opponent at once. This “all‑out” move grants two extra points and brings back all out‑players, often shifting match momentum dramatically.
Key Terms Every Kabaddi Fan Should Know
Court zones – baulk line, bonus line, mid‑court
- Mid‑court line: Divides the court; raiders start beyond this line for each raid.
- Baulk line: Marks the minimum depth a raider must reach to make tags count.
- Bonus line: A line within the defending half; crossing it with one foot grants a bonus point if at least one defender is present.
Raid, tackle, bonus, revival explained
- Raid: Entry of the raider into the opposing half to tag defenders.
- Tackle: Defenders’ effort to stop or wrestle the raider down.
- Bonus: Extra point for crossing the bonus line under valid conditions.
- Revival: Bringing out‑players back after their own side scores a point.
Getting Started – Tips for New Players
Basic skills – tagging and dodging
Practice light tags on training partners and sprint drills for quick retreats. Agility work—ladder drills, side shuffles—improves dodging capacity.
Fitness and strategy for beginners
Develop breath control with interval runs. Study defender patterns: a raider who slows near the baulk line may be baiting a tackle. Start at free or low‑stakes matches to build confidence before full competition.
Game Sense & Teamwork
Understand when to raid, when to hold, and how to cooperate with teammates. Effective kabaddi requires not just speed but timing and strategic group play.
TL;DR – Quick Takeaways on Kabaddi
What is kabaddi: A tag‑raid sport with raiders and defenders, rooted in South Asia.
Court lines: Mid‑court to start, baulk line for valid raids, bonus line for extra points.
Lona: Clearing all defenders for two bonus points.
Scoring: Tags and tackles each earn one point; special moves reward bonus points.
History: Ancient origins in Vedic texts, formalized rules in 1923, now a global sport.
FAQ – Your Kabaddi Questions Answered
-
What is kabaddi called in English?
Often called “tag‑raid,” but commonly referred to by its original name, kabaddi.
-
How do you play kabaddi?
A raider enters the opponent’s half, chants continuously, tags defenders, and races back to score.
-
What is baulk line in kabaddi?
A line that a raider must cross for a tag to count, preventing tag‑and‑escape near boundaries.
-
What is lona in kabaddi?
The term for an all‑out, where clearing all defenders earns bonus points and revives players.
-
Kabaddi is the national game of which country?
Bangladesh, with deep cultural ties and large following in India.
Final Thoughts – Embracing the Spirit of Kabaddi
Understanding what is kabaddi opens a window to a sport rich in history and packed with fast‑paced action. From practicing light tags to mastering court lines and moves like lona, beginners can quickly get involved. To explore similar games and safe play tips, visit VIPJEE – South Asia’s trusted casino authority and discover guides on card games, sports betting, and more. Enjoy the thrill of kabaddi with confidence and respect its ancient roots.
Want to learn about other kabaddi formats or how to bet safely on kabaddi games? Read our full kabaddi series at VIPJEE.
