Rules for playing Kabaddi, number of players, main tournaments India.

Updated on January 27, 2022
by Tiwari Academy

Kabaddi was included in the Indian Olympic Games at Kolkata in 1938. The Indian Kabaddi Association was constituted in 1951. Many efforts were made to introduce Kabaddi at the Olympic Games but all in vain. In Asian countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc. this game is trendy.

What are the Rules of Kabaddi?

History of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is an Indian game. This game originated and developed in India. In ancient times, Kabaddi was popularly known as ‘do-do.’ In 1923, rules and regulations were framed. All India competition of Kabaddi was held at Baroda in 1923. Again the rules were revised in 1934.

Measurements and Specifications of Equipment

Specifications	Measurement
Dimension of the playfied of Kabaddi: a. For men or senior	13 × 10 m
b. For women and juniors	12 × 8 m
c. For mini or sub junior girls and boys	11 × 8 m
Width of the lobby	1 m
Distance of the centre line and other lines	3.75 m
Width of the centre line and other lines	5 cms
Size of the block for men	1 × 8 m
Size of the block for women and juniors	1 × 6 m
Number of players in each team	12
Number of players who take part in a match	7
Duration of match for men	Two durations of 20 min each
Duration of match for women and juniors	Two durations of 15 minutes each
Period of interval	5 minutes
Officials	7 (Referee 1, Umpire 2, Scorer 1, keeper 1, Linesmen 2)

General Rules

1. The team that wins the toss shall have the choice of the court of the raid. In second half the court shall be changed.
2. Opponents must have 5 players to avail the bonus points. If a player is out of court due to some technical or punishment reason he/she will be included in 5 players.
3. A raider shall speak soundly ‘kabaddi kabaddi’ in the opponent court. After this, he must return to his court immediately.
4. When entire opponent team is out and no one of the opponents is entitled to be revived, they shall score a ‘lona’ and 2 points shall be awarded.
5. Nails of the players should be properly manageable.
6. Maximum of three players can generally be substituted with the permission of referee during the game.
7. Any player can use lobby only during the struggle. If anyone uses lobby otherwise, he will be declared as ‘out’.
8. Rubbing of oil, cream, or wearing of soft material on body is not permitted.
9. It is compulsory to cross the baulk line by every raider. If a raider does not cross the baulk line he/she will be declared as ‘out’.