In 2022, eight years after its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) became the second most-watched sports event in India with 220 million viewers, surpassed only by the Indian Premier League (IPL) for T20 cricket.

What fuelled its meteoric rise?

In the second episode of Economies of Khel, economist Rahul De and media expert Kailash Koushik explore how kabaddi transformed from a rural pastime into a professional sport. They trace its roots back over 4,000 years in the Tamil-speaking region of southern India and its evolution in northern India’s traditional wrestling akhadas, where it was used to build physical fitness and combat skills. Some sources even liken Abhimanyu’s battle in the Mahabharata to a kabaddi match, where a lone warrior fends off encircling opponents.

Kabaddi demands a unique combination of physical strength, mental agility, and extraordinary breath control, similar to swimming — Kailash calls it “meditation on the move.” Traditionally, the game is played between two teams of 12, with 7 players on the field at any time. The objective is to raid the opponent's half, tag players, and return without inhaling, all while chanting "Kabaddi." Points are awarded for successful raids and defences, with teams alternating roles after each half.

India has several forms of kabaddi, each with distinct rules. Sanjeevani features a 40-minute game with players revived when an opponent is put out. Gaminee has no time limit, with players remaining out until all teammates are out. Amar is similar to Sanjeevani but allows players to stay on the court after being touched out. Punjabi Kabaddi is unique for its circular pitch. Despite their differences, all forms share the goal of capturing opponents.

Though modern kabaddi gained recognition in the mid-1900s, with an exhibition match staged at the Berlin Olympics in 1936, it wasn't until 1950, with the establishment of the All India Kabaddi Federation, that it began to acquire prominence. Kabaddi was included as a medal sport in the Asian Games in 1990, and the launch of India’s Pro Kabaddi League in 2014 further propelled its popularity, making it a spectator sport backed by a cast of promoters that included industrialists, and Bollywood stars. Kabaddi’s international popularity is also growing, with strong teams emerging in Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Australia.

Pro Kabaddi adapted and modified traditional rules to make the sport television-friendly. More significantly, it transported kabaddi from the akhada to the mat. With names like Tamil Thalaivas and Bengaluru Bulls, PKL teams rough it out for glory and laurels in a packed arena.

In addition to dramatically increasing kabaddi's popularity in India, the PKL has introduced professionalism to the sport, attracting corporate sponsorships and improving player remuneration. It has also invested in grassroots development, fostering talent and promoting physical fitness in rural areas. PKL has elevated kabaddi's cultural significance, transforming a rural tradition into a mainstream sport and a symbol of Indian pride.

Credits

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

For a comprehensive list of acknowledgements and resources for further exploration, visit our website: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel-the-curious-business-of-unconventional-sports