This children’s article, Kabaddi! The fast, fierce game you’ve probably never heard of, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and discover new sports from around the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
It’s like tag, rugby and wrestling all in one
Kabaddi is one of the fastest, fiercest games around. It’s believed to have begun in ancient India and has now spread across the globe. It’s wild, full of action, and once you know the rules, you’ll want to play it yourself!
Imagine a mix of tag, rugby, and holding your breath. That’s kabaddi. Two teams face off on a court. A player from one team, the “raider”, runs into the other team’s half and tries to tag as many opponents as they can. Sounds simple? Not quite.
The raider has to do it all without breathing in! They must keep chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi” so everyone knows they haven’t taken a breath. If they tag players and run back to their side without being tackled, their team scores. But if they get caught and held down, the other team gets the point.
It’s loud, sweaty, and seriously fun to watch.
Where did it originate?
Kabaddi is believed to have started in India thousands of years ago. Some stories say it was used to train warriors or to teach self-defence. Today, it’s the national sport of Bangladesh and one of the most popular sports in India.
There are even big tournaments like the Pro Kabaddi League, where professional players show off their strength, speed, and clever tricks. It’s a seriously tough game that needs skill, fitness, and a lot of courage.
Could you be a kabaddi star?
Kabaddi is now played in more than 30 countries, including Iran, Japan, the UK, and even the USA. And the best bit? You don’t need much to play, just a marked court and some friends. No fancy gear, no expensive kit.
If you’re quick on your feet, good at holding your breath, and not afraid of getting a bruise or two, kabaddi might just be the sport for you!.
Article vocabulary list
- Chanting – Saying or singing words again and again
- Tackle – To grab and try to stop someone, often by pulling them down
- Court – A marked area where sports are played
- National sport – A sport that’s very popular or official in a country
- Tag – To touch someone in a game
- Intense – Very exciting or serious
- Trick – A clever move or skill
- Tournaments – Competitions between teams or players
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What must players chant while tagging in kabaddi?
A) “Tag, tag!”
B) “Kabaddi, kabaddi”
C) “Go team go!”
Answer: B) “Kabaddi, kabaddi”
2. What happens if the player gets tagged and tackled before returning?
A) They get a second try
B) Their team scores
C) The other team scores
Answer: C) The other team scores
3. Where did kabaddi come from?
A) Japan
B) India
C) Brazil
Answer: B) India
4. What kind of sport is kabaddi most similar to?
A) Tag and wrestling
B) Tennis and football
C) Running and swimming
Answer: A) Tag and wrestling
5. What’s the Pro Kabaddi League?
A) A school game
B) A robot contest
C) A tournament for top players
Answer: C) A tournament for top players
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
