Standard Kabaddi Court Measurements: A Comprehensive Guide to the Playing Area

 Kabaddi is a popular sport that originated basically in ancient India. It is played between two teams, each consisting of seven players. The objective of the game is for a "raider" from one team to enter the opposing team's half of the playing area, tag as many defenders as possible, and return to their own half without being caught. The raider must do this all in one breath, continuously chanting the word "kabaddi" to prove that they are not inhaling. On the other hand, the defenders' goal is to stop the raider from returning to their own half by either tackling them or preventing their escape. It is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires agility, strength, and strategy. Kabaddi has gained international recognition and is now played competitively in various countries, with different formats and variations of the game.

 Court Measurement of Kabaddi:

 

The court of kabaddi, also known as the kabaddi pitch or playing area, is where the game is played. It is a rectangular field that is divided into two halves, separating the teams. Here are some key details about the kabaddi court:

 

Dimensions: The standard dimensions of a kabaddi court vary slightly depending on the governing body and competition rules. Generally, the court measures 13 meters in width and 10 meters in length, resulting in a total playing area of 130 square meters. However, there may be slight variations in dimensions for different formats of the game.

 

Divisions: The court is divided into two equal halves by a mid-line, which is known as the "lobby" or "baulk line." This line serves as a boundary that the raider must cross during each raid. Each half of the court belongs to one team, and they take turns raiding and defending.

 

Bonus Lines: Inside each half, there are additional markings called bonus lines. These are parallel lines, usually located around 3 to 4 meters from the mid-line. When a raider successfully crosses the bonus line while touching an opponent, their team earns extra points.

 

Lobby: The lobby is the central area of the court, spanning the mid-line. It serves as a neutral zone where the raider initiates the raid. The raider must enter the opposing team's half from this area and return to their own half while chanting "kabaddi" without being caught.

 

Boundary Lines: The court is surrounded by boundary lines that mark the outer limits of the playing area. Players must stay within these lines during the game.

 

Out-of-Bounds: If a player touches or crosses the boundary lines during play, they are considered out-of-bounds. This results in the player being declared out and their team losing a point.

 

The kabaddi court provides a defined space for the players to showcase their skills, strategize, and engage in the intense and exciting gameplay of kabaddi.

 

Rules of kabaddi as per IKF :

 

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has established rules and regulations for the sport of kabaddi. Here are some key rules commonly followed in IKF-sanctioned kabaddi matches:

 

Teams: Each team consists of seven players on the court, with additional players on the bench who can be substituted during the game.

 

Playing Area: The kabaddi court is a rectangular field divided into two halves by a mid-line. The dimensions of the court may vary slightly, but a standard court is approximately 13 meters wide and 10 meters long.

 

Raid: The game starts with a raider from one team entering the opponent's half, chanting "kabaddi" to prove they are exhaling in one breath. The raider's goal is to tag as many defenders as possible and return to their own half.

 

Defending Team: The defenders aim to stop the raider from returning to their own half. They can tackle or hold the raider to prevent their escape. If the defenders successfully prevent the raider from returning, their team earns a point.

 

Bonus Points: Bonus points can be earned by the raider if they cross a designated bonus line while touching an opponent. This adds extra points to their team's score.

 

Out-of-Bounds: If a player touches or crosses the boundary lines during play, they are considered out-of-bounds, and their team loses a point. Players must stay within the boundaries of the court.

 

Substitution: Substitutions can be made during the game when players from the bench replace those on the court. However, substitutions must follow the rules and guidelines set by the IKF.

 

Duration: The duration of a kabaddi match is typically divided into two halves, with a halftime break. Each half can last a specified period, such as 20 minutes, depending on the tournament or competition rules.

 

It's important to note that the IKF may make updates or amendments to the rules from time to time, so it's advisable to refer to the official IKF rules and regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding kabaddi.

Junior Kabaddi court Measurement and dimensions:

 The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has established specific measurements for kabaddi courts designed for junior players:

Length: 11 meters

Width: 8 meters

Midline: An allocated line that divides the court into precisely two equal halves.

Lobby: A stretch of land, 1 meter in width, extending on both sides of the midline.

Sitting block: At either end of the court, there is a designated area measuring 1 meter by 6 meters. This space serves as seating for players when they are not actively participating in the game.

Baulk line: A line positioned 3 meters away from the midline, creating a defined boundary.

Bonus line: An additional line positioned 1 meter away from the baulk line, offering an extra boundary demarcation.

End line: The final line marking the farthest edge of the court.

The weight and age restrictions for junior kabaddi players are as follows:

Sub-junior boys: Players aged 16 years and below, with a maximum weight of 50 kg.

Junior boys: Players aged 20 years and below, with a maximum weight of 65 kg.

Compared to senior kabaddi courts, the dimensions of junior kabaddi courts are marginally smaller, measuring 13 meters by 10 meters. This deliberate adjustment aims to heighten the level of challenge for young players, ensuring a more engaging and demanding gameplay experience.

Women's kabaddi:

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) recognizes and promotes women's kabaddi as a part of its efforts to develop and popularize the sport globally. The IKF organizes and oversees international women's kabaddi tournaments and events, providing a platform for women players to showcase their skills and compete at an international level.

Women's kabaddi follows the same basic rules and gameplay as men's kabaddi, with teams consisting of seven players each. The objective remains the same, where raiders aim to tag defenders and return to their half without being tackled. The IKF encourages gender equality and inclusivity in the sport, supporting the growth of women's kabaddi and providing opportunities for women players to excel.

Various international tournaments and championships are held for women's kabaddi, such as the Women's Kabaddi World Cup, which features teams from different countries competing against each other. These events help raise the profile of women's kabaddi and contribute to the overall development and recognition of the sport.

World Cups of Kabaddi:

 

The Kabaddi World Cup is an international tournament held to showcase the talent and skills of teams from around the world in the sport of kabaddi. The World Cup provides a platform for nations to compete and vie for the prestigious title.

 

The tournament is organized by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the governing body for kabaddi at the international level. The format, rules, and schedule of the World Cup may vary depending on the edition and host country.

 

The first Kabaddi World Cup was hosted by India in 2004. Since then, several editions of the tournament have been held at different intervals. The frequency of the World Cup has varied over the years, with some editions taking place annually, while others have had longer gaps between tournaments.

 

The participating teams in the Kabaddi World Cup include both men's and women's teams from various countries. The teams compete in a round-robin format or are divided into groups, followed by knockout stages leading to the final match. The matches are usually held in indoor stadiums, and the duration and rules of each match adhere to the standard kabaddi regulations.

 

India has been the dominant force in the Kabaddi World Cup, winning multiple titles in both the men's and women's categories. However, other nations such as Iran, South Korea, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have also showcased their prowess and emerged as strong contenders in the tournament.

 

The Kabaddi World Cup not only promotes the sport globally but also provides a platform for cultural exchange, unity, and friendly competition among nations. It attracts a significant fan following and garners the attention of kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide.

 

 

Kabaddi playing nations:

 

Kabaddi is played in several nations around the world. Here is a list of some countries known for their participation in kabaddi:

 

India: Kabaddi originated in India and is immensely popular, with a strong kabaddi culture and a professional league known as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).

 

Iran: Iran has emerged as a dominant force in international kabaddi, with a highly skilled team that has achieved success in various tournaments.

 

Pakistan: Kabaddi has a long-standing tradition in Pakistan, and the country has produced talented players who have represented their nation at international events.

 

Bangladesh: Kabaddi is widely played in Bangladesh, and the country has a rich history in the sport. The Bangladesh national kabaddi team has achieved notable success.

 

South Korea: Kabaddi has gained popularity in South Korea, with a growing interest in the sport. The South Korean team has participated in international tournaments.

 

Japan: Kabaddi has gained traction in Japan, with rising interest and participation in the sport. The Japanese national kabaddi team has competed in international competitions.

 

Malaysia: Kabaddi is played in Malaysia, particularly among the Malaysian Indian community. The country has participated in international kabaddi events.

 

Kenya: Kabaddi has gained a foothold in Kenya, with efforts to promote and develop the sport. The country has participated in regional and international tournaments.

 

United States: Kabaddi has gained popularity among the South Asian diaspora in the United States. The country has seen the establishment of kabaddi leagues and teams.

 

Canada: Similar to the United States, Canada has a significant South Asian population that actively participates in kabaddi tournaments and leagues.

 

United Kingdom: Kabaddi is played in the United Kingdom, primarily by the South Asian community. The UK has hosted kabaddi tournaments and has teams representing the nation.

 

It's important to note that kabaddi is also played in other countries and regions worldwide, albeit to a lesser extent. The sport continues to grow and expand its reach globally, with more nations participating in international kabaddi events.