Kabddi
History of Kabaddi, Rules, Variations, and AKFI Information
What is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is the most widely played game in India. It is played in many different ways across India, featuring several variations. Kabaddi is a team-based contact sport with seven players on each of the two teams. The objective of the game is for a single player (the Raider) to run into the opposing team’s half, touch as many opponent players as possible, and return to their own half without being tackled.
This game is a marvelous blend of strength, agility, and breath control. The Raider must complete the raid while chanting “Kabaddi-Kabaddi” in a single breath.
The traditional roots of Kabaddi date back over 4,000 years in ancient India, symbolizing strength and strategy.
History of Kabaddi
If Kabaddi is mentioned anywhere in the world, its birthplace is India, as it has been played here for centuries. Kabaddi’s roots lie in ancient India. According to historians, references to it can be found dating back to the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE).
It is also mentioned that Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha) and Lord Krishna played a form of this game.
When were uniform rules established across India? The framework for Kabaddi rules was first prepared in Maharashtra in 1921. The first All India Kabaddi Tournament was held in 1923, and the All India Kabaddi Federation was established in 1950.
It was reorganized in 1972 and got its new name:
Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI)
AKFI is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and governs all forms of Kabaddi in the country (Standard, Circle, Beach, Indoor).
Variations of Kabaddi
| Variation | Description |
| Standard Kabaddi | Played between 7 players on a 13×10 meter rectangular court. |
| Circle Style (Punjabi Kabaddi) | The traditional form played on a circular ground, popular in Punjab and Pakistan. |
| Sanjeevani Kabaddi | When one player is out, one player from the opposing team is revived (brought back into play). |
| Gamini Style | Timeless, traditional form played in villages. |
| Beach Kabaddi | Played on sand between teams of 4 players. |
| Indoor Kabaddi | A fast-paced 5-player version, included in the Asian Indoor Games. |
Rules of Kabaddi
vido credit: you tube
What are the rules of Kabaddi? While the rules of Kabaddi vary in every village and city in India, here we will discuss the international rules and regulations:
Each team has 7 players on the field and 5 reserves.
The game duration is 20-5-20 minutes (two halves with a 5-minute break in between).
The Raider enters the opposing court, touches players, and returns while chanting “Kabaddi-Kabaddi.”
1 point is awarded for every successful tag.
If the Raider is caught, the opposing team gets 1 point.
When all 7 players are out, it is called an “ALL OUT,” and the opposing team is awarded 2 additional points.
In the Pro Kabaddi League, the time limit for each raid is 30 seconds.
Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI)
Let’s talk about the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India. Every person living in India should know about it. Here are the details about when and where it was founded and how we can contact it today:
Year of Establishment: 1972
Headquarters: E-386, Greater Kailash Part-1, New Delhi – 110048
Email: presidentakfi@gmail.com
President: Vibhor Vineete Jain
AKFI's Objectives:
To operate and develop all forms of Kabaddi.
To organize national and international competitions.
To promote anti-doping rules and fair play.
To encourage women’s and junior Kabaddi.
AKFI is a member of the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF).
Major International Competitions
Let’s take a look at whether India has won the major Kabaddi games played till today, or if someone else won. Here, we will only discuss the major international level competitions:
| Competition | Year | Winner |
| Asian Kabaddi Championship | 1980 onwards | India (Most times) |
| Asian Games | Included in 1990 | India won the initial 5 Gold medals |
| Kabaddi World Cup (IKF) | 2004, 2007, 2016 | India |
| Women’s World Cup | 2012 | India |
| Beach Games | 2008 | India won Gold in both Men’s and Women’s categories |
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
This is India’s official international-level professional Kabaddi league, which started in 2014. You can find more information about this official Indian international Kabaddi platform on their official website: www.prokabaddi.com.
Main Teams: Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Bengal Warriors, Telugu Titans, Dabang Delhi, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, etc. There are a total of 12 teams in India in 2025.
Total Kabaddi Teams in India
Kabaddi is played in India from the school level to the international level, with different teams at every stage.
| Level | Teams | Count |
| National Level | India Men’s Kabaddi Team, India Women’s Kabaddi Team (The teams that compete against foreign teams) | 2 main National Teams |
| State Level | Each state and union territory has its own team recognized by AKFI (Approx. 28 States + 8 UTs) | Approximately 36 State-Level Teams |
| Professional League (PKL) | Teams that play in the Pro Kabaddi League | 12 Professional Teams |
The 12 Professional Teams in PKL are:
U Mumba (Mumbai)
Bengal Warriors (West Bengal)
Jaipur Pink Panthers (Jaipur)
Patna Pirates (Patna)
Dabang Delhi KC (Delhi)
Telugu Titans (Hyderabad)
Tamil Thalaivas (Chennai)
Bengaluru Bulls (Bengaluru)
Puneri Paltan (Pune)
UP Yoddhas (Uttar Pradesh)
Haryana Steelers (Haryana)
Gujarat Giants (Gujarat)
You must have seen these 12 teams live on your TV or mobile, as these are the teams broadcast live on major channels. However, the teams that represent India against foreign teams are only two: a Men’s team and a Women’s team.
Popularity of Kabaddi
Kabaddi is extremely popular in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, and Korea.
It is the national sport of Bangladesh.
Many Indian states—Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, etc.—have declared it a state sport.
In the 2018 Asian Games, Iran defeated India to win the gold medal, demonstrating the global expansion of the sport.
Youth competitions like the Yuva Kabaddi Series are providing a platform for new talent.
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How to Watch Kabaddi Live Matches
On Television
In India, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and other major Kabaddi tournaments are usually shown live on these channels:
Star Sports Network – Star Sports 1, Star Sports Hindi, Star Sports 2
Star Sports HD Channels – For viewing in HD quality.
On Mobile and Internet (Online Streaming Apps)
If you want to watch on mobile, laptop, or smart TV:
Disney+ Hotstar → The official online streaming platform for the Pro Kabaddi League.
JioTV App → If you are a Jio SIM user, you can watch Star Sports channels live here.
Airtel Xstream / Vi Movies & TV → Star Sports channels are also available live on their apps.
YouTube (Official PKL Channel) → Highlights and some match clips are occasionally uploaded for free.
Live in Stadium
You can also choose to watch the matches live in the stadium.
Keywords
Kabaddi History, Rules of Kabaddi, AKFI, Pro Kabaddi League, Kabaddi World Cup