Rules of Kabaddi

 Kabaddi is a thrilling contact sport with ancient origins in India, known for its fast pace, agility, and strategic raids. Here's a breakdown of the basic rules:

Playing Field:

• A rectangular court divided into two halves by a midline
• Each half has a bonus line 3.75 meters from the midline and an end line at the edge.
• Lobbies (small areas) extend 1 meter beyond each end line.
  
  
  

Teams and Players:

• Two teams of 7 players each compete, with 5 on the court and 2 substitutes.
• Each team designates a "raider" who attempts to score points by crossing into the opponent's half.

Gameplay:

• A match consists of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute break.
• Each half has turns where one team attacks (raiding) while the other defends.
• Raiding:
  • The raider crosses the midline chanting "kabaddi, kabaddi..." continuously until they return to their own half.
  • They try to touch any defender and return to their half before stopping the chant.
  • A successful touch scores a point for the raiding team.
• Defending:
  • Defenders try to tackle or block the raider from touching them or crossing back to their half.
  • They can also trap the raider in their half by holding them for a certain time.

Scoring:

• A point is awarded for a successful touch by the raider.
• Bonus points can be earned by touching a defender while crossing the bonus line.
• Defenders score points if they tackle or block the raider, trap them in their half, or force an out-of-bounds situation.

Additional Rules:

• The raider cannot hold their breath while in the opponent's half.
• Defenders cannot touch the raider's head or below the belt.
• Crossing the midline without chanting or stopping the chant results in an "out."
• Three consecutive unsuccessful raids ("do-or-die raids") lead to the raider being out.
• The team with the most points at the end of the match wins.

Kabaddi is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires quick reflexes, stamina, and strategic thinking. Mastering these rules is the first step to appreciating the intricacies and excitement of this unique game.