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“Kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi!”—that hypnotic chant, once heard only in the dusty akhadas of India, now echoes in stadiums from Tehran to Toronto.
Kabaddi, once dismissed as a “rural pastime,” has muscled its way into the international arena. The game that required nothing more than lungs of steel, lightning reflexes, and sheer guts is now played under dazzling floodlights, streamed worldwide, and even has foreign teams daring to challenge India’s dominance.
But as India fights to hold on to its crown, internal power struggles threaten to trip up the very organisation running the game—the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI). Now, with the Supreme Court stepping in, there’s hope that Indian Kabaddi will once again focus on the mat, not the mess behind the scenes.
Let’s break it down: from Kabaddi’s glorious past to its bumpy present, and most importantly—its global future.
The Rise of International Teams
Iran – India’s Toughest Rival
Kabaddi’s biggest rival today? Iran.
The Persians, known for their strength and wrestling traditions, adapted kabaddi naturally. By 2018, Iran shocked the world by defeating India in the Asian Games final. Fazel Atrachali, a name Indian kabaddi fans now respect (and fear), became the first foreign captain in PKL history. Iran has invested heavily in coaching and training, making them a serious threat to India’s supremacy.
South Korea – The Silent Assassins
South Korea proved kabaddi isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about speed and tactics. In the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, Korea stunned India in the group stage, showing that strategy could outplay experience. Players like Jang Kun Lee became PKL stars, proving that Koreans had cracked the kabaddi code.
Bangladesh – The Forgotten Power
While cricket dominates Bangladesh, few know that kabaddi is actually their national sport! They’ve always been passionate about the game, but lack of funding and infrastructure has kept them from reaching the next level.
Kenya – The Surprise Package
Kabaddi in Africa? Yes! The Kenyan team stunned everyone with their raw athleticism and powerful tackles. The country is now investing in training, and Kenyan players are making their way into PKL teams.
Other Rising Nations
From England to Argentina, Canada to Nepal, kabaddi is no longer just an Indian obsession. More than 50 countries now play the game competitively—a crucial step toward its dream of Olympic recognition.
India’s Kabaddi Crisis
Even as kabaddi goes global, India’s own federation is struggling.
For years, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) has been mired in power struggles, mismanagement, and internal politics. Instead of focusing on growing the sport, it has been stuck in court battles and leadership disputes.
Enter the Supreme Court.
In a landmark ruling, the SC has ordered the AKFI to be handed over to an elected body. This means:
No more administrator-led delays
More transparency in running the sport
Better support for players, tournaments, and international participation
The SC also directed the Indian government to ensure that the country’s kabaddi players face no hurdles in international events. With the Asian Kabaddi Championship and other major tournaments coming up, this decision could not have come at a better time.
Kabaddi’s Biggest Dream: Olympic Gold?
Despite kabaddi being played in over 50 countries, it is still not an Olympic sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has hesitated because:
- The game lacks widespread professional leagues outside Asia.
- Standardisation issues—Kabaddi is played in different formats (Standard vs. Circle Kabaddi).
- Limited viewership in Europe and America, the key markets for Olympic sports.
However, with rising global participation and PKL’s growing international reach, kabaddi is inching closer to the Olympic stage, perhaps in 2028 or 2032.
What’s Next for Kabaddi?
With the Supreme Court’s intervention, India’s kabaddi administration is finally heading in the right direction. But there’s still a lot to be done:
- Expanding PKL to more countries – A global league like IPL could change the game forever.
- Investing in Women’s Kabaddi – Women’s leagues need more funding and visibility.
- Advanced Tech & Analytics – Using VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and player analytics can refine the game.
- More Sponsorships & Investment – Global brands need to start seeing kabaddi’s commercial potential.
Final Whistle: Can India Prevail?
From barefoot warriors in Indian villages to global superstars on TV screens, kabaddi has come a long way. But the question remains, can India continue to dominate the game?
With Iran, Korea, and other nations closing in, India must fix its internal mess, innovate, and stay ahead. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a step in the right direction, but the real battle is on the mat.
Because in kabaddi, as in life—if you stop moving forward, you get tackled!
So, are you ready to raid?
Would You Like More?
Want a deep dive into Kabaddi rules, famous players, or upcoming tournaments? Let me know, and I’ll keep the game going!
Stay tuned for Part 2
