What is kabaddi?
Kabaddi is South Asia's ancient raiding game: seven players a side, and one raider crosses into the opposing half to tag as many defenders as possible and return to his own half — traditionally in a single breath, chanting "kabaddi, kabaddi" to prove it. The defenders try to wrestle him down before he gets back. It is simultaneously a tagging game, a wrestling contest and a breath-holding test.[1] [2]
The Pro Kabaddi League
In 2014 an Indian franchise league remade the sport: Pro Kabaddi put city teams, a draft-and-auction system and prime-time television behind a village game — and it became one of India's most-watched properties after cricket, drawing audiences in the hundreds of millions per season. Its twelfth season ran from August to October 2025.[2] [3]
International kabaddi
India has dominated internationally since kabaddi entered the Asian Games in 1990, with Iran its strongest challenger, plus Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Korea and Kenya competing. Governance has been contested between rival international bodies — an honest complication in a sport growing faster than its institutions.[2] [4]
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Kabaddi. Accessed August 2026.
- Pro Kabaddi League — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- 2025 Pro Kabaddi League (Season 12). Accessed August 2026.
- Kabaddi Adda — kabaddi calendar 2025-26. Accessed August 2026.