Kabaddi Grounds: Size, Measurements, Dimensions, and Surfaces in Detail
Kabaddi, a thrilling sport rooted in India, features diverse dimensions and playing surfaces. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deeper into the intricacies of Kabaddi grounds, exploring the evolution from mud to mat surfaces and its impact on gameplay.
What is Kabaddi?
Kabaddi, with its origins deeply embedded in India, combines strength and skill in a captivating sport. Across India, it’s known by different names, such as CHEDUGUDU, HU-TU-TU, HADUDU, CHU KIT-KIT, and KABADDI, depending on the region.
Kabaddi Ground or Playfield
Playing Kabaddi necessitates adherence to specific ground rules. For men, the court should measure 13 meters by 8 meters (ABCD), with a 1-meter by 8-meter rectangular setting block placed 2 meters from the end lines.
Integral to the Kabaddi court are various markings:
Baulk Lines: Two lines, including the baulk line situated 3.75 meters from the midline.
Bonus Line: Positioned 1 meter behind the baulk line.
Lobbies: Two channels known as lobbies, 1 meter inside longer boundaries.
Kabaddi Ground Markings: The boundaries of the playing field are marked with lines AB, BC, CD, and DA, each 3-5 centimeters wide, forming an integral part of the playing area. Four meters of clear space must surround these lines.
Kabaddi Ground Measurement for Men:
Kabaddi Ground Transformation from Mud to Mat
Kabaddi’s journey extended beyond India’s borders. In 1996, torrential rains disrupted Sri Lanka’s national kabaddi team’s training, leading to a pivotal moment. E Prasad Rao, former coach for India’s gold-medal-winning team, introduced taekwondo mats for indoor training, a novel approach that would change Kabaddi’s trajectory.
The Making of the Kabaddi Mat
In 2002, as preparations for the Busan Asian Games loomed, Rao ventured to create an official Kabaddi mat. This innovative mat required players to wear shoes, initially wrestling shoes, to cope with its impact on their feet. Over seventeen years, the Kabaddi mat emerged as the preferred global playing surface.
Change in Techniques for Playing on Different Kabaddi Fields
The shift from mud to the mat brought significant changes to gameplay. On mud, players emphasized footwork and skill, while the mat favored speed. The new dynamic necessitated a blend of skill, speed, and strength.
Perks & Detriments of Mat and Mud Surfaces
Each surface offered distinct advantages and disadvantages. The mat facilitated skills like jumps due to better footing but made some techniques harder. In contrast, mud allowed for more foot skidding but posed challenges for executing certain moves.
While the transition to mat surfaces reduced bruises, it introduced a new set of concerns, including a higher risk of joint and muscle injuries due to increased friction and a faster pace. Players had to maintain peak fitness to minimize these risks on mats.
This in-depth exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of Kabaddi grounds, dimensions, and the transformative journey from mud to mat surfaces, highlighting how these changes impacted the sport’s dynamics.
