Kabaddi is a popular contact sport played across South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It is a game that requires strength, agility, and quick reflexes, and is played by two teams of 12 players each. Kabaddi has evolved over time, with different variations of the sport being played in different regions. Two popular variants of the game are Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two versions of the game.

What is Circle Kabaddi?

Circle Kabaddi, also known as “Circle Style Kabaddi” or “Punjab Circle Kabaddi,” is a traditional sport popular in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is a contact sport that involves two teams, each consisting of 12 players, competing against each other in a circular playing area.

The objective of the game is for a player, known as a “raider,” to cross the opposing team’s boundary line and tag as many defenders as possible before returning to their own side. The defenders, on the other hand, must prevent the raider from crossing the boundary line by tackling or wrestling them to the ground.

Unlike the standard format of kabaddi, where the game is played in a rectangular field, Circle Kabaddi is played in a circular field, which is divided into two halves by a central line. The game is played for a duration of 30 minutes, with two halves of 15 minutes each, and a 5-minute break in between.

What is Traditional Kabaddi?

Traditional Kabaddi, also known as Standard Style Kabaddi, is the more popular form of the game played in India. It is played on a rectangular court that is 12.5 meters long and 10 meters wide. The court is divided into two halves, and each team has 12 players. The objective of the game is to score points by raiding the opponent’s half of the court and touching as many players as possible without being caught.

In Traditional Kabaddi, the game is played in two halves, with each half lasting 20 minutes. The game starts with a coin toss, and the team that wins the toss chooses whether to raid or defend first. The game is played at a slower pace than Circle Kabaddi, with more emphasis on strategy and teamwork.

The Key Differences

Kabaddi is a popular contact sport that originated in India and has gained popularity worldwide. There are various forms of Kabaddi, including Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi. While both sports share some similarities, they also have key differences that set them apart. In this write-up, we will explore the key differences between Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi.

1. Playing Field: The playing field is one of the main differences between Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi. In Circle Kabaddi, the playing area is circular, with a diameter of 22 meters. There are no sidelines, and the game is played in a continuous circle. In contrast, Traditional Kabaddi is played on a rectangular court measuring 13 meters by 10 meters.
2. Number of Players: The number of players in Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi also differs. Circle Kabaddi is typically played with 8-20 players on each team, while Traditional Kabaddi is played with 12 players on each team.
3. Duration of Game: The duration of the game is another difference between the two forms of Kabaddi. Circle Kabaddi matches are shorter, usually lasting for 30 minutes, divided into two halves of 15 minutes each. In contrast, Traditional Kabaddi matches can last up to 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each.
4. Scoring System: The scoring system in Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi also differs. In Circle Kabaddi, a team earns one point for every player of the opposing team they successfully tag without being caught. In Traditional Kabaddi, a team earns a point for each player they successfully tag and for each player of the opposing team they prevent from returning to their side after a raid.
5. Gameplay: The gameplay in Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi is different as well. In Circle Kabaddi, the game is played in a continuous circle, and players are not allowed to step out of bounds. In contrast, Traditional Kabaddi is played on a rectangular court with clearly defined boundaries. Players are also allowed to step out of bounds, but doing so will result in them being out.
6. Strategies: The strategies used in Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi also differ. In Circle Kabaddi, teams focus on speed and agility, with players trying to tag opponents as quickly as possible. In Traditional Kabaddi, teams focus on defense and teamwork, with players trying to prevent the raider from scoring points.

Let’s Sum Up

In summary, Circle Kabaddi and Traditional Kabaddi are two popular variants of the sport played in South Asia. While both versions of the game share the same objective of scoring points by raiding the opponent’s half of the court, there are significant differences in the rules, court dimensions, number of players, time limit, and emphasis on physical strength and endurance versus strategy and skill.