While played internationally now, Kabaddi’s roots are deeply rural and ancient. It is a game of territory, speed, and breath control.
The Setup: Two teams occupy opposite halves of a rectangular court.
The Raid: A single player (the raider) crosses the center line into the enemy territory. Their goal is to tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own side without being tackled.
The Breath: The raider must continuously chant "Kabaddi" or "Sadugudu" to prove they are not inhaling. If they lose their breath or get pinned down before crossing back, they are out.
Tactics: Defenders work as a unit to encircle and trap the raider, making it a fascinating balance of individual skill and team strategy.