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Design Resource
Indian Games
Culture of Play
by
Kabaddi
Introduction:
Kabaddi is a team sport played in open grounds in all parts of India. It is known by various names like Chedugudu or Hu-Tu-Tu in southern parts of India, Hadudu (Men) and Chu-Kit-Kit (women) in eastern India, and Kabaddi in northern India. The word ‘Kabaddi’ in Hindi means ‘holding your breath’, which is the supreme skill that underlies the game.
Kabbadi is one of the games played at national level by both boys and girls. Today this sport is played in more than twenty countries other than India including Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Japan, Canada, Sri Lanka, Russia, Nigeria, USA, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany, United Kingdom and Pakistan amongst others.
How to Play:
To play the game of Kabbadi, two teams with 7 players each from each team take positions on a rectangular court with a center line dividing the two teams. Each team stands behind their respective lines inside the court in a straight line. The game begins with one of the players, from a team entering the opponent’s side of the court continuously murmuring "Kabaddi Kabaddi" in one breath. The aim is to touch maximum number of players on the opposing side, and return back to his court without losing that breath. The members who were touched will be out. The aim of the opposing team is to hold this player and not let him/her reach their court or touch the center line until they take another breath. If opponent team succeeds in doing this then the player will be declared out. The game continues by each team sending one player alternatively into the opponents’ court. After the long play, the team left with players on the court wins the game.
Conclusion:
The game of Kabaddi helps in developing strategy, strength and skills to work in teams. It also develops confidence, concentration and tolerance in players. This game also provides an opportunity for healthy competition among equal players and helps them make friends.
