Finally, something to cheer about...and guess what, I came to know about this news from Los Angeles times!!! Last month, India won the Pro Kabaddi World Cup in Bombay beating the Iranian team 29-19.
First, lets bring our American readers up to date about what Kabaddi is:
" Kabaddi's object is to tag players while holding breath.The game is played with two teams of 12 players (7 starters and 5 reserves) for two twenty-minute halves. Teams take turns sending an offensive player to the opposite side in an attempt to tag several of the opposing players while holding their breath and returning home. The "raiders" must chant "kabaddi-kabaddi" to prove that they are holding their breath while they tag the "anti" defensive players. If an "anti" is tagged he must succeed in catching the "raider" or is considered out. The "raider" must succeed in holding his breath until he returns home or is considered out. "
By the way, check out this picture that I found on www.jatt.com!! This site has some pretty cool stuff.
The game is extraordinarily combative and started in Punjab in India. Initially, it was restricted to the farming belt in North India( Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)but is now played throughout the country. It is also the national sport in Bangladesh. While it is more popular in South-East Asia, there are Kabaddi leagues all over the world. I guess its time we look for our heroes from other sports where our performance has been much more consistent. I guess there might also be the possibility of finding audience for Kabaddi in countries like U.S. where contact sports are very popular. It would be fun to see Kabaddi give Arena Football, Ultimate Fighting etc. a run for their money( probably I am dreaming but who knows what might happen once people develop a liking for it!!)
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