As for the games history? While
there are no actual records anywhere, there is apparently concrete
evidence somewhere that suggests Kabaddi was developed about 4000
years ago to help Indian soldiers develop their self-defense skills
(not to mention their pronunciation of the word Kabaddi skills).
It was originally meant to develop self defence, in addition to
responses to attack, and reflexes of counter attack by individuals,
and by groups or teams. It is a rather simple and inexpensive game,
and neither requires a massive playing area, nor any expensive
equipment. This explains the popularity of the game in rural India.
Kabaddi is played all over Asia with minor variations. Kabaddi is
known by various names viz. Chedugudu or Hu-Tu-Tu in southern parts of
India, Hadudu (Men) and Chu - Kit-Kit (women) in eastern India, and
Kabaddi in northern India. The sport is also popular in Nepal,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan and Pakistan.
The first world Kabaddi championship in the history of the game, was
organised in Hamilton when approximately 14,000 people packed Copps
Coliseum, to watch stars from India, Pakistan, Canada, England, and
the United States compete.