Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in ancient India and is now popular in many countries around the world. It’s two teams, each sending an attacker into the opposing half of the field to tag as many players as possible without getting caught, while holding their breath. As the sport grows in popularity, it is interesting to watch the top countries dominating the sport. In this article, we will explore the most popular kabaddi countries and what sets them apart.
Origins of Kabaddi
Before diving into the countries where kabaddi is most popular, let’s take a look at the origins of the sport.
Kabaddi is believed to have originated in ancient India, with the first mention of the sport dating back to the 4th century BC. It was originally developed by farmers to keep them fit and agile during the off-season. Today the sport has become a highly competitive sport played internationally.
India: Home of Kabaddi
India is the home of Kabaddi and it is no surprise that the sport is practised all over the country. Kabaddi is the national game of India and has a huge following in the country.
The Professional Kabaddi League is India’s premier kabaddi league and one of the most watched sports leagues in the country with millions of viewers tuning in to play.
Bangladesh: Kabaddi’s Second Home
Bangladesh is another country where Kabaddi has a large audience. The sport is considered the national game of Bangladesh and the country has produced many talented athletes over the years. The Bangladesh Premier League, the top Kabaddi league in the country, is highly competitive and features some of the best players from around the world.
Iran: Rising Star in Kabaddi
Iran has become a dominant force in Kabaddi in recent years, and the country’s teams have consistently performed well in international competitions.
Iran has won several kabaddi medals at the Asian Games, and the country’s professional kabaddi league is one of the fastest growing sports leagues in the country.
Pakistan: Kabaddi Power Station
Pakistan is another country where kabaddi is very popular. The sport is widely played across the country and Pakistan has produced many top kabaddi players over the years. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation is the governing body of the sport in the country and is responsible for its promotion and development.
South Korea: The Kabaddi Giant of Asia
South Korea is another country that has emerged as kabaddi dominance in recent years.
The country’s kabaddi team has performed well in international competitions and the sport is gaining popularity in the country. The Korean Kabaddi League is one of the fastest growing sports leagues in the country, with some of the best players from around the world.
Other Countries Dominate Kabaddi
Apart from the countries mentioned above, Kabaddi is also gaining popularity in other countries around the world. Nepal, Sri Lanka and Kenya are other countries where the sport is growing in popularity and the level of competition is increasing rapidly.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is a popular sport that originated in India and is now popular in many countries around the world.While India remains the dominant force in the sport, other countries like Iran, Bangladesh, and South Korea have also made their mark on the global kabaddi scene.
These countries have invested heavily in the development of the sport, producing some of the best kabaddi players in the world. The sport is growing in popularity as new leagues and tournaments are created around the world. It is therefore safe to say that kabaddi is now a promising global movement.
Is Kabaddi an Olympic sport?
Kabaddi is not currently an Olympic sport, but efforts are underway to include it in future Olympics.
How does Kabaddi work?
Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players each. The object of the game is to get the “Raiders” into the opposing half, contact as many defenders as possible, and then return to their own half without being tackled.
The defensive team must in turn prevent the attacker from returning to their own half by performing a tackle.