The Play

The game’s objective is for a raider to go to the opponent’s court and attempt to touch one or more of the defenders without being caught by the defenders. The raider has to recite kabaddi-kabaddi repeatedly and continuously till his or her breath runs out. The defenders have to constantly evaluate the raider’s movements and find an opportunity to prevent the raiders from returning. The defenders need to have instant coordination.

Number of Players

There are two teams, each consisting of seven active players and three additional players as substitutes.

Key Officials

For formal games, the key officials are one referee, two umpires, one scorer and two assistant scorers. Informal games can be played with one person performing a combined role. 

Duration of Official Matches

The game duration is 40 minutes with a change in sides after 20 minutes at half-time. There is a 5-minute break during the half-time when the teams switch sides.

A shorter period of 30 minutes is often considered for women, junior girls, sub-junior boys and sub-junior girls.

Equipment Needed

Kabaddi does not need any special equipment for the play. Hydrated lime powder is needed to mark the boundaries.