Ganga Damodar Kabaddi Championship
Saksham HospitalGANGA DAMODARKabaddi Championship 2026

About Kabaddi

Understand the sport quickly with clear rules, key terms, and major achievements.

Overview

Kabaddi is a high-intensity contact sport that combines strength, agility, strategy, and teamwork.

A raider enters the opponent half to score points by tagging defenders and returning safely.

Kabaddi has evolved into a structured and professional sport with global recognition through modern leagues and international tournaments.

Modern History

  • - Kabaddi was formalized with standard rules in the early 20th century.
  • - The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) was established in 1973.
  • - Kabaddi made its official debut in the Asian Games in 1990.
  • - India dominated the Asian Games and won gold medals consistently for decades.

Technical Essentials

Team Structure: 7 players on court and up to 5 substitutes.

Game Objective: A raider enters the opponent's court to score and return safely.

Key Roles

  • - Raider: Attacks and scores points.
  • - Defenders: Stop the raider from returning.

Scoring & Strategy

Scoring System

  • - 1 point per opponent tagged.
  • - 1 point for a successful tackle.
  • - Bonus point when bonus-line conditions are met.
  • - All-Out gives 2 extra points.

Key Terms

  • - Do-or-Die Raid: A raider must score in the third consecutive empty raid.
  • - Super Tackle: 2 points are awarded when 3 or fewer defenders complete a successful tackle.
  • - Revival System: A player returns to court when the team scores points.
  • - Defensive Formations: Chain tackle and corner hold are important coordinated defensive methods.

Men vs Women: Quick Comparison

Men

  • Court Size: 13m x 10m
  • Baulk Line: ~3.75m from midline
  • Bonus Line: Active when 6+ defenders are present
  • Match Duration: 2 halves of 20 minutes each
  • Halftime: 5-minute halftime break

Women

  • Court Size: 12m x 8m
  • Baulk Line: ~3m from midline
  • Bonus Line: Same rule, adjusted for court size
  • Match Duration: 2 halves of 15 minutes each (can vary by tournament)
  • Halftime: 5-minute halftime break

India's Achievements in Kabaddi

India is the most dominant nation in the history of kabaddi, with exceptional performance in both Men’s and Women’s categories across international tournaments.

Asian Games - Men

  • - Gold medals: 8 (1990-2014, 2022).
  • - Bronze: 2018.

Asian Games - Women

  • - Gold medals: 3 (2010, 2014, 2022).
  • - Silver: 2018.

Kabaddi World Cup (Standard Style) - Men

  • - Champions: 2004, 2007, 2016.
  • - India has won all official standard-style World Cups.

Kabaddi World Cup Events - Women

  • - Champions: 2012, 2013, 2014.
  • - India showed strong dominance in early international competitions.

South Asian Games - Men

  • - Gold medals: 7 (1993, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2016).

South Asian Games - Women

  • - Gold medals: 4 (2010, 2016, 2019, 2023).

Recent Achievement

  • - Men: Asian Games 2022 - Gold.
  • - Women: Asian Games 2022 - Gold.

India has maintained consistent dominance in the South Asian region across both categories.

Quiz-Ready Quick Facts

Each team has 7 players on the court.

A successful tackle earns 1 point.

All-Out adds 2 bonus points.

Kabaddi entered the Asian Games in 1990.

India won Asian Games gold in both men and women categories in 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main objective in kabaddi?+

A raider enters the opponent half, scores by tagging defenders, and must return safely to their own half.

How many players are on court for each team?+

Each team has 7 players on court, with up to 5 substitutes available.

What is a Super Tackle?+

When 3 or fewer defenders successfully tackle the raider, the defending team earns 2 points.

What does All-Out mean?+

When all players of one side are put out, the opposing side earns 2 extra points.

Why is kabaddi important in India?+

Kabaddi is one of India's major indigenous sports and has deep roots in local culture, especially across states like Bihar and Jharkhand.