Think you know kabaddi? From its origins to rules, positions, international competitions, and famous players, this quiz will challenge both casual fans and seasoned players. Answers are listed immediately below each question.
History & Origins
1. In which country did modern kabaddi originate?
Answer: India
2. Approximately how many years ago is kabaddi believed to have originated?
Answer: Over 4,000 years
3. In what year was the first Kabaddi World Cup held?
Answer: 2004
4. Which organization governs international kabaddi competitions?
Answer: International Kabaddi Federation (IKF)
5. Which form of kabaddi is played in most professional leagues worldwide?
Answer: Standard style
Rules & Gameplay
6. How many players are on the court per team in standard kabaddi?
Answer: 7
7. How long does a standard kabaddi match last?
Answer: 40 minutes (two halves of 20 minutes)
8. What is the primary objective of a raider?
Answer: To tag opposing defenders and return to their own half
9. How long can a raider hold their breath while chanting “kabaddi”?
Answer: Entire raid until returning to their half
10. How many points does a team earn for a successful raid with a single touch?
Answer: 1
11. How many points does a team earn for a successful raid that touches multiple defenders?
Answer: 1 point per defender touched
12. How many seconds is a single raid allowed to last?
Answer: 30 seconds
13. What is a “super raid”?
Answer: A raid where the raider scores 3 or more points
14. How many timeouts is each team allowed per half in professional kabaddi?
Answer: 1
15. What happens if a raider is tackled and cannot return to their half?
Answer: The defending team earns 1 point
16. What is the minimum number of players required to start a kabaddi match?
Answer: 5
17. Can raiders cross the midline without touching a defender?
Answer: Yes, but no points are earned
18. What is a “bonus point” in kabaddi?
Answer: A point awarded for touching a defender in the bonus line while maintaining balance
19. What happens when a player is declared “out”?
Answer: They must leave the field until revived by a point scored by their team
20. How many revivals does a team get per player scored during a raid?
Answer: 1 per point
Positions & Skills
21. What is the primary role of a defender called a “corner”?
Answer: To tackle raiders at the corners of the court
22. What is the role of a “cover” defender?
Answer: To support corners and midline defense
23. Who is called the “all-rounder” in kabaddi?
Answer: A player skilled in both raiding and defending
24. Which skill is most important for a raider?
Answer: Agility and breath control
25. Which skill is most important for a defender?
Answer: Strength and teamwork
26. How many defenders usually surround a raider during a tackle?
Answer: 2–3
27. What is a “chain tackle”?
Answer: Multiple defenders working together to hold and stop a raider
28. Which player is typically positioned near the bonus line?
Answer: Raiding all-rounder or bonus specialist
29. What type of tackle involves holding the raider by the waist?
Answer: Ankle-to-waist tackle
30. Who is usually responsible for calling plays and strategies on the court?
Answer: Team captain
International Competitions
31. Which country won the first Kabaddi World Cup in 2004?
Answer: India
32. Which country won the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup?
Answer: India
33. How often is the Kabaddi World Cup held?
Answer: Every 4 years
34. Which league is the top professional kabaddi competition in India?
Answer: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
35. Which country has the most international kabaddi titles?
Answer: India
36. Which country won the men’s gold medal in kabaddi at the 2018 Asian Games?
Answer: Iran
37. Which country won the women’s gold medal in kabaddi at the 2018 Asian Games?
Answer: India
38. Which international kabaddi competition features both men’s and women’s national teams?
Answer: Asian Games
39. Which country has been a strong competitor in men’s kabaddi outside India?
Answer: Iran
40. Which country has been a strong competitor in women’s kabaddi outside India?
Answer: Thailand
Tiebreaker
How many points were scored by India in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup final against Iran?
Answer: 38
Information accurate as of September 2025
