Kabaddi Rules: Understanding the Game and Its Play

Kabaddi is a fast-paced contact sport that requires agility, strategy, and teamwork. The game has evolved over the years, and the 2025 edition of the rules ensures a more structured and fair competition. This guide covers the essential rules, match procedures, scoring system, player roles, fouls, recent updates, and international standards.

1. Basic Rules of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is played between two teams, each consisting of seven active players and five substitutes.
The objective is for a “raider” to enter the opponent’s half, tag as many defenders as possible, and return safely while chanting “kabaddi” continuously.
The defending team must prevent the raider from returning by tackling or holding them down until they run out of breath.

A standard match consists of two halves of 20 minutes each, with a 5-minute break in between.
Each team alternates between attacking (raiding) and defending.
A successful raid earns points, while a failed raid can result in the loss of points.
If a player is out, they can only be revived if their team scores points.

Successful Raid: 1 point per defender tagged.
Super Raid: 2 or more defenders tagged in a single raid earns additional points.
Super Tackle: If a team with 3 or fewer defenders successfully tackles a raider, they earn 2 points instead of 1.
All-Out: If all players on a team are eliminated, the opposing team earns 2 bonus points.
Bonus Points: A raider who crosses the bonus line before touching any defender can earn an additional point.

Raider: The attacking player who enters the opponent’s side to score points.
Defender: Players who stop the raider from returning to their half.
All-Rounder: A versatile player who excels in both raiding and defending.

Struggle Without a Raid: A raider must attempt a touch before returning.
Stalling: A raider must not exceed 30 seconds per raid.
Boundary Violation: Stepping out of bounds results in elimination.
Illegal Holds: Neck and face holds are strictly prohibited.
Technical Fouls: Teams must not have more than 7 players on the field at any time.

Raiding Time Reduced: The raider now has 25 seconds instead of 30 to complete a raid.
Super Raid Bonus: If a raider eliminates 3 or more defenders, the team gets an extra bonus point.
Defensive Substitutions: Teams can now make rolling substitutions without stopping the game.
Referee Review System: Teams can challenge a referee’s decision using the video referral system twice per match.

Governed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF).
Official court size: 13m x 10m for men and 12m x 8m for women.
Professional leagues like Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) follow similar rules but with minor modifications.
Matches use advanced technology like video replays and electronic scoring systems to ensure fair play.