Team Games and Sports II

Kabaddi is an indigenous team sport popular in India, involving two teams of seven players each. The game is played on a rectangular court where teams take turns sending a 'raider' into the opponent's half to tag members and return without being tackled. Points are scored by tagging opponents and returning safely, with the raider continuously chanting 'Kabaddi' to prove they are holding their breath.

Kabaddi has ancient roots in India, with references in the Mahabharata as a version of Chakravyuha. It gained formal recognition in the 20th century, with the All India Kabaddi Federation established in 1950 and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India in 1973. India has dominated international Kabaddi, winning all Kabaddi World Cups since its inception in 2004.

For men, the Kabaddi court measures 13 meters in length and 10 meters in width, while for women, it is 12 meters in length and 8 meters in width. The court is divided into two halves by a midline, with specific markings for baulk lines, bonus lines, and lobbies to regulate gameplay.

In Kabaddi, a team scores one point for each opponent tagged and brought out by the raider. If all opponents are out in a single raid, the team earns two extra points, known as a 'Lona'. Bonus points are awarded when a raider crosses the bonus line with at least six defenders in play.

The Golden Raid rule is applied in tie-breaker situations where each team gets one raid to score points. The team with the higher score after these raids wins the match. This rule ensures a decisive outcome in closely contested games.

Kho-Kho is a traditional Indian team sport where one team chases and the other defends. The chasers aim to tag defenders within a time limit, using strategic 'kho' passes to switch chasers. The game is played on a rectangular court with poles at each end, emphasizing speed and agility.

Kho-Kho originated in Maharashtra as 'Rathera', played on chariots. It was formalized in the early 1900s, with the first rulebook published in 1924. The sport gained international exposure at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and has since been promoted through national and Asian championships.

A Kho-Kho playground is rectangular, measuring 27 meters in length and 16 meters in width. It includes two rectangles at the ends, central and cross lanes, and wooden poles. The central lane is 24 meters long, with eight cross lanes dividing the play area.

Judo, meaning 'gentle way', focuses on using balance and leverage to throw or subdue opponents, unlike striking-based martial arts. It emphasizes competitive sport with techniques like throws, joint locks, and chokeholds, while omitting dangerous strikes for safety.

The Judogi is the uniform worn in Judo, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt. Made of cotton, it is designed for durability and grip, allowing opponents to execute throws and holds. The belt color signifies the practitioner's rank, with black denoting advanced levels.

In Judo, an 'Ippon' (10 points) is awarded for a perfect throw, pin, or submission, ending the match. Lesser scores include 'Waza-ari' (7 points) and 'Yuko' (5 points) for partial techniques. Penalties like 'Shido' can also affect the match outcome.

The Judo competition area is 14 to 16 meters square, with a green contest area of 9 meters square and a red danger zone. The area includes two starting marks for competitors and is surrounded by a safety zone to ensure athlete safety during matches.

Wrestling, or 'Kushti', is a combat sport involving grappling techniques like throws and holds. In India, it dates back to ancient times, with references in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Traditional Indian wrestling is practiced in mud pits, emphasizing physical and spiritual discipline.

Modern wrestling includes styles like Freestyle and Greco-Roman, with rules against leg attacks in the latter. Matches are scored based on takedowns, exposures, and pins, with victories by fall, points, or opponent disqualification. Weight categories ensure fair competition across divisions.

A wrestling mat is 9 meters in diameter with a 1.5-meter protection area. The central wrestling area is 7 meters in diameter, marked with red or blue lines. The mat is 10 cm thick, providing cushioning for athletes during bouts.

Wrestling awards points for takedowns (1-5 points), exposures (2-3 points), and reversals (1 point). A fall, pinning both shoulders to the mat, ends the match. Technical superiority (10-point lead) or highest score after time determines the winner.

For U-19 boys, weight categories range from 55 kg to 130 kg in Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Girls' categories range from 50 kg to 76 kg in Freestyle. These divisions ensure fair matches based on athletes' body weights.

Wrestling matches are overseen by a referee on the mat, a chairperson, and a judge. They collectively award points and penalties, ensuring rules compliance. Officials cannot be from the same nation as the competitors to maintain impartiality.

Judo teaches practical techniques for neutralizing threats without weapons, using an opponent's force against them. Its focus on throws and holds is effective in real-world scenarios, promoting confidence and situational awareness.

Kabaddi enhances cardiovascular health, agility, and teamwork. The sport requires quick reflexes, stamina, and strategic thinking, improving physical fitness and mental sharpness. Regular play also fosters discipline and camaraderie among players.

Kho-Kho boosts endurance, speed, and coordination through continuous chasing and dodging. The game's dynamic movements enhance muscle strength and flexibility, while strategic play develops quick decision-making skills and teamwork.

Common penalties in Judo include 'Shido' for minor infractions like passivity or false attacks. Accumulating three Shidos results in 'Hansoku-make', disqualification. Major violations, like dangerous techniques, lead to immediate Hansoku-make.

The belt system in Judo signifies a practitioner's skill level and progression. Starting with white for beginners, belts advance through colors like yellow, green, and brown, culminating in black for experts. This system motivates continuous learning and mastery.

Modern wrestling has standardized rules, weight classes, and safety measures, making it a global sport. Female wrestling's inclusion in the Olympics since 2004 has promoted gender equality. Innovations like synthetic mats and video reviews have enhanced fairness and appeal.

Key Kabaddi skills include raiding (toe touches, foot touches) and defending (ankle holds, thigh holds). Raiders need agility and breath control, while defenders require strength and teamwork. Mastering these skills ensures effective gameplay and strategy execution.