The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is an organization that derived from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Kenya in the 1940's. It was founded to introduce or extend the reach of the parent organization (RSS) by creating foreign branches called Shakhas around the world. This Indian culture made it to my shores and I am really thankful because the activities they prepare and the discipline they require can greatly steer youths in a decent direction. This post will highlight one of the many unique games that these Eastern people have created called Kabaddi. Another reason I wanted to place this sport first is that Kabaddi is not as rare as the other games I've played. Apart from being the national sport for Bangladesh there is actually a Kabaddi World Cup in existence!!
I have played both the standard and the circle style and found favor in all!!
So basically...the game is played like this:-
Two teams occupy a half of a rectangle field. There are seven players in the standard game but if the playing area is big enough more can play. The field should have a line equally separating it in two. After both teams shout various positive and/or uplifting Hindi phrases, the louder team starts the game by allowing one of their members to step over onto their opponents side and touch any amount of players. The lone player must do this while repeating the name of the game - Kabaddi, in one breath**. On the other side the players have to either try not to get touched or pin down the person from the opposing team before they could reach the middle line. If the single player is successful in touching an opponent or two and makes it back to the line the people he/she made contact with are out of the game. Likewise, if the sole player gets pinned down, they're out. After a short break for half time the teams switch their positions on the field before resuming game play.
What a game indeed!! Rough but not too rough, witty but not without misdirection. The other versions of the game incorporates some minor tweaks to the rules but the general idea follows what I have described above. Women play Kabaddi too!!
**When a player steps over the middle line to touch the opposing team members, they only have one breath of air to do so. The very breath that must be used to repeatedly chant "Kabaddi".
Have a Great day all!!