When did kabaddi become popular?

Legend has it that kabaddi originated in Tamil Nadu over 4,000 years ago. Past fans include the Buddha, and the princes who played to display their strength and win their brides. Kabaddi was being played at a competitive level internationally. The sport became part of the Beijing Asian Games in 1990.

What is the popularity of kabaddi?

According to the Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) annual report of 2019, kabaddi has been the most viewed mass sport after cricket in India. The numbers from the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup held in India touched 114 million in viewership across the 16-day tournament.

Why do we love kabaddi?

“Kabaddi is one game where the player has no sporting equipment but uses only his body as a weapon to deal with the opponents. Be it strength, flexibility or presence of mind, the sport has many assets,” he says. The short duration and action-packed matches add to the thrill, he points out.

Why do we play kabaddi?

For many years kabaddi was played for physical exercise by pupils in Indian gurukuls (Vedic schools run by gurus). Though minor variations emerged, the game’s principal objective of raiding the enemy territory remained common.

Is kabaddi still popular?

According to Nielsen Sports, interest in Kabaddi has grown by 14\% year-over-year since 2015, while interest in the Pro Kabaddi League has grown by 33\%, making it the second-most popular and watched sports league on TV in India after the Indian Premier League.

Is kabaddi a popular game?

Kabaddi, is a contact sport, native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most popular sports in India, played mainly among people in villages. India has taken part in four Asian Games in kabaddi, and won gold in all of them.

What is Kabaddi called in English?

(kəˈbɑːdɪ ) a game played between two teams of seven players, in which individuals take turns to chase and try to touch members of the opposing team without being captured by them.