Whenever we’re talking about popular sports in India, it’s understandable that many would immediately think of cricket. Without a doubt, it’s still the most popular sport in the country, but these days, Indians are starting to be more welcoming of other sports as well.
Kabaddi’s following has been steadily growing throughout the years. Once confined to rural areas, this high-intensity game has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now that it’s become a pro sport, it has also started to gather loyal followers.
But what exactly is kabaddi, and why is it becoming so popular? We’ll answer all that and also give you insights on KBD today’s match betting odds in 2024.
The History and Evolution of Kabaddi
There is proof that kabaddi has been practiced for thousands of years in ancient South Asia. However, this was traditionally played in rural areas. It took a while before evolved from a simple game into a structured sport with standardized rules.
The turning point came in the 1930s when kabaddi was included in the Indian Olympic Games. This opened the door for the rise of kabaddi both domestically and globally.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which was established in 2014, represents yet another crucial turning point in the development of kabaddi. It is strongly inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it became the sports tournament that took Kabaddi where it is today.
The Mechanics of Kabaddi
Kabaddi is fundamentally an exciting attack-and-defend game. A “raider” from each of the two teams of seven players is sent onto the other team’s half of the court.
The raider’s objective is to tag or wrestle as many members of the opposing team. The catch is that the raider will need to do this within 30 seconds. He’ll also need to repeatedly yell “Kabaddi” before crossing the midline. If he fails to do so, he won’t be able to score any points for the team.
Points are counted based on how many players on the opposing side the raider was able to tag or touch before successfully returning to the base.
Now, for the defending team, they’ll need to avoid getting tagged by a raider within those 30 seconds. They can also restrain the raider by tackling or grabbing him on the limb and torso area. Grabbing the raider outside those allowed body parts will result in a foul or penalty.
A Kabaddi match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes. During the game, players must exhibit a combination of physical prowess, including strength, speed, agility, and endurance, as well as mental toughness and strategic thinking.
Successful raiders need to be agile and elusive, while defenders must employ tactical positioning, coordination, and grappling skills to thwart the raider’s attempts.
The Rise of Kabaddi
We can all agree that Kabaddi’s popularity right now can be attributed largely to the overwhelming success of the PKL in India. However, beyond India’s borders, Kabaddi has gained significant traction as well in countries like Iran, South Korea, and Japan.
The formation of professional leagues and the inclusion of Kabaddi in major international events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games have further fueled its global appeal.
The sport’s growth can also be attributed to the increasing media coverage and sponsorship deals. Major broadcasters have recognized Kabaddi’s potential, investing in live telecasts and dedicated programming. Moreover, high-profile sponsorships from leading brands have further amplified the sport’s visibility and commercial viability.
Upcoming Kabaddi Events To Watch This Year
2024 is almost halfway done, but it’s still an exciting year for kabaddi fans and even those still looking to join in on the craze.
There are still several major events to look forward to and even wager on. Always check the KBD match on reputable platforms so you’re in the know of the latest upcoming kabaddi events.
Here are Kabaddi events that you can still check out before 2024 ends:
- Africa Cup: The fourth edition of the Africa Cup will be held in Kenya in June. This tournament showcases the growing popularity of kabaddi on the African continent.
- Beach Euro Cup (World Cup Qualifier): This event, taking place in Poland from August 23-25, will feature senior men’s and women’s teams competing for a spot in the Beach World Cup.
- Beach World Cup: Kabaddi enthusiasts can look forward to the Beach World Cup in Iran in September.
- Junior Women’s World Cup (u20): India will host the Junior Women’s World Cup in September, providing a platform for young talent to shine on the international stage.
- Asian Indoor Games: In November, kabaddi will be featured in the Asian Indoor Games, further solidifying its position as a major Asian sport.
Conclusion
Kabaddi’s journey from a traditional South Asian game to a global sport is a testament to its universal appeal. With major events like the World Cup and the Pro Kabaddi League, kabaddi’s future looks brighter than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there’s never been a better time to experience its thrill. So, be sure to check out the upcoming Kabaddi events we mentioned earlier, and don’t forget to get the latest Pro Kabaddi Schedule.
