Can the Ancient Indian Sport of Kabaddi Someday Rival Cricket? | Next in Sports

Summary

Kabaddi, an ancient Indian sport, has evolved from a rural pastime into a televised professional spectacle. Its resurgence is largely thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League, which has made the sport a national sensation, drawing in large audiences and star players. The league has helped transform kabaddi into a profitable business, creating opportunities for players and investors alike. With support from Bollywood and corporate sponsors, kabaddi’s popularity is expanding across India, while efforts to take it global, including potential Olympic inclusion, continue to grow. Despite challenges, kabaddi’s dynamic, high-energy gameplay keeps it thrilling for fans and athletes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kabaddi, an ancient sport with roots in India, has evolved from a rural pastime to a professional, televised sport.
• 😀 The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was launched in 2014 by Anand Mahindra and quickly became India's second most popular televised sport after cricket.
• 😀 Kabaddi is a fast-paced game that combines elements of tag and wrestling, requiring both athleticism and strategy, including the unique 'kabaddi' chant.
• 😀 The PKL has transformed the perception of kabaddi by introducing a more exciting, professional format, drawing urban audiences and big-name sponsors.
• 😀 The Pro Kabaddi League has contributed to the rise in salaries and fame for players, with some reaching international recognition.
• 😀 Kabaddi's global reach is growing, with teams in countries like Iran, Bangladesh, and South Korea, and there are hopes to include it in the Olympics.
• 😀 The sport's success is linked to India's growing economy, with major investments in sports sponsorships and celebrity involvement.
• 😀 Kabaddi's accessibility, requiring no expensive equipment, makes it particularly appealing to underprivileged youth, offering them opportunities for social mobility.
• 😀 While the PKL has grown in viewership, it faces challenges such as the short lifespan of players' careers due to injuries and the competitive nature of the auction system.
• 😀 The addition of a women's kabaddi league is being considered to further increase the sport's popularity and create more opportunities for female athletes.
• 😀 The long-term success of the PKL depends on maintaining viewer engagement, managing rule changes effectively, and expanding its reach outside of South Asia.

Q & A

What is kabaddi and how is it played?

Kabaddi is a sport that blends elements of tag and wrestling. Two teams of seven players take turns sending a raider to tag members of the opposing team and return to their side. The raider must chant 'kabaddi' continuously while attempting to tag opponents, without pausing to breathe. Points are scored by tagging players and returning safely to their side.

Where did kabaddi originate, and how old is it?

Kabaddi originated in Tamil Nadu, India, approximately 4,000 years ago. It is a traditional sport that has been played across South Asia, and according to legend, even the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is said to have played it.

What led to the rise of kabaddi in India, especially in the professional arena?

The rise of kabaddi in India, particularly through the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), was driven by billionaire businessman Anand Mahindra. He saw the potential to bring a traditional rural sport to a national audience by giving it a professional structure, similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) for cricket.

How has the Pro Kabaddi League transformed the sport?

The Pro Kabaddi League has professionalized kabaddi by introducing structured teams, significant sponsorships, star players, and media coverage. With television broadcasts in multiple languages and backing from Bollywood, the league has elevated the sport's popularity, making kabaddi the second most-watched sport in India after cricket.

What are some key rules of kabaddi as played in the Pro Kabaddi League?

Kabaddi is played on a 13m by 10m court with two teams of seven players. The raider must cross the midline, tag opponents, and return within 30 seconds while chanting 'kabaddi.' Defenders aim to stop the raider through tackles. The game alternates between raiding and defending in two 20-minute halves. Points are scored through successful raids and tackles, with the number of players constantly changing.

What challenges does the Pro Kabaddi League face in terms of player longevity and injuries?

A major concern for the Pro Kabaddi League is the high rate of injuries due to the physical nature of the sport, particularly when played on mats. As a result, players often do not last more than two to three years in the league. This raises concerns about the sustainability of the league's talent pool.

What is the impact of kabaddi on the lives of its players, particularly those from rural areas?

Kabaddi offers life-changing opportunities for many players, especially those from rural areas. Some players, like Aslam Inamdar, have achieved stardom and earned enough to no longer need a secondary job. Additionally, the sport provides avenues for government jobs, which offer benefits and serve as a means for upward mobility.

Why is kabaddi seen as a uniquely Indian sport, and what cultural significance does it hold?

Kabaddi is regarded as a uniquely Indian sport because it has ancient origins in India and was played long before colonial influence. The sport is a source of national pride, with the tagline 'This is our game.' It aligns with India's rising self-confidence, both culturally and economically, as it moves away from colonial sports like cricket.

What role do sponsorships and media play in the growth of kabaddi?

Sponsorships, such as those from major brands like Adidas, and media coverage from networks like Star Sports have been instrumental in growing kabaddi's visibility and financial success. These investments help create a professional environment around the sport, attracting viewers and making it more accessible to a wider audience.

What are the future prospects of kabaddi on the international stage?

Kabaddi has gained popularity in other South Asian countries and is starting to see growth in regions like South Korea and Iran. However, for kabaddi to become an Olympic sport, it needs to be played in 75 countries across four continents. Currently, its international reach is limited, but the sport holds potential for growth in the coming years.