Securing your family’s future is now affordable! Introducing IndiaFirst Life Elite Term Plan.

Know More

Pay Premium

Track application

Ask an Expert

Securing your family’s future is now affordable! Introducing IndiaFirst Life Elite Term Plan.

Know More

Ask an Expert

No results for

Check that your search query has been entered correctly or try another search.

Ask an Expert to Buy Life Insurance

We're happy to know that you're prioritizing your family's future. Our life insurance expert will assist you in finding the best insurance plan. To schedule a call, please share some of the below details.

Enter Name

Enter Mobile

What’s your gender?

Male

Female

Other

13 Aug 2024

Kabaddi: Tracing the Roots and Global Soar of India's Ancient Sport

Written by

The Logical Indian

Category

Sports

Views

Introduction

Kabaddi, a venerable sport originating from the heart of India, boasts a storied history that spans millennia. While initially flying under the global sports radar, Kabaddi has now transcended geographical boundaries to emerge as a beloved and internationally recognized game. Embedded in ancient traditions and interwoven with India's sports legacy, Kabaddi stands as a testament to the country's enduring impact on the world of sports.

The Ancient Origins

Kabaddi's inception dates back to a time preceding recorded history, when cooperation was essential for survival – be it protection from wild animals or securing sustenance. This rudimentary concept evolved into Kabaddi, a sport with a lineage of over 4,000 years, earning its place as one of the world's oldest athletic pursuits. Though historical records are scarce, the game's evolution is palpable, transforming from a simple pursuit to a strategic endeavour involving tagging and breath-holding during raids.

The Fascinating Legend

Legend has it that Kabaddi began with a child's pursuit of a sweet treat, gradually evolving into a sophisticated game. The amalgamation of chasing, hitting, and breath control gave rise to the unique and captivating aspects of Kabaddi. Though debates surround its precise origins, a prevailing belief points to Tamil Nadu in South India as the sport's birthplace.

South Asian Tapestry

Kabaddi is deeply entwined with the history and culture of South Asia, particularly with the Ayar tribal people in ancient Tamil Nadu. The game, with roots in a place called Mullai, shares similarities with Jallikattu, an activity where individuals tame bulls without physical contact. Even in antiquity, a game known as Sadugudu bore resemblances to Kabaddi. Notably, figures like Gautam Buddha and Lord Krishna are said to have engaged in Kabaddi, underscoring its presence in ancient times.

India's Pivotal Role

While Kabaddi's roots are deeply ingrained in South Asia, India played a pivotal role in propelling the sport onto the global stage. Organized competitions emerged in the 1920s, culminating in Kabaddi's inclusion in the Indian Olympic Games in 1938. The establishment of the All-India Kabaddi Federation in 1950 formalized the sport, propelling it from a village pastime to a legitimate international competition.

Global Expansion

India's influence on Kabaddi's international journey burgeoned over the years. The sport's showcase at the 1951 Asian Games marked a watershed moment, leading to its inclusion as a competitive event. By 1990, Kabaddi featured in the Asian Games program, indicative of its burgeoning global appeal. The 20th century saw Kabaddi's popularity extend beyond India's borders, with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India and Bangladesh recognizing it as their national game in 1972.

Conclusion

Kabaddi, born in the cradle of India, has evolved into a cherished global sport. Its journey, from a defence mechanism to a fiercely competitive game, exemplifies the profound impact of India on the world of sports. As Kabaddi continues to capture hearts worldwide, it serves as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and enduring influence in the realm of games.

References

Hindustan Times School, Pallavi Kanungo, 16th Dec 2022 https://htschool.hindustantimes.com/editorsdesk/knowledge-vine/myths-surrounding-the-origin-of-the-ancient-indian-game-kabaddi
Disney Star
https://www.disneystar.com/our-stories/game-on-india/
Indian Kabaddi
https://www.indiankabaddi.org/history-of-kabaddi.html
Britannica, 13th Mar 2024
https://www.britannica.com/sports/kabaddi
Kabaddi.org
https://www.kabaddi.org/

Find Your Favorite Topic

Science and Wellbeing

Sports

Tech and Engineering

Art and Culture

Places and People

IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.