The origins of this ancient sport of India dates back to the time of the epics. Even though there is no historical evidence as to when it really came into existence, it is considered to have been a part of the Mahabharata period. History says that the word Kabaddi might have originated from a Tamil word “kai-pidi” meaning “to hold hands”. However, similar meaning words are found to have existed even in the northern part of India. A type of game called Hu-Tu-Tu in the western part of India, Ha-Do-Do in the eastern areas and Chedugudu in southern India all have been found to be an early form of Kabaddi. With Kabaddi being a village sport, it also had its roots in the primeval idea of defending one's own territory.

Even though there are several versions of Kabaddi like the Gaminee, Amar, Sanjeevani and Punjabi, the International version of the game includes two teams of seven members facing off against each other in two halves of twenty minutes each and the winner is decided by points. With Kabaddi being a part of our culture, the sport was extremely popular in the past with India winning many titles at the Asian Games and the World Cup.

Also read: Pro Kabaddi has shown how to handle women's sport: Are you watching BCCI?