Sport & people

Kabaddi, a game of breath and nerve

Bangladesh's national game brings raiders and defenders into a close contest where controlled breathing, quick decisions and teamwork matter.

A kabaddi raid begins with one player crossing into the other half of the court. The raider tries to touch opponents and return safely, while the defenders try to stop the escape. The repeated call of kabaddi turns breathing into an audible part of the contest. A sudden change of direction can matter as much as strength. Kabaddi is Bangladesh's national game. Its local relative, commonly called ha-du-du, has long been played on open ground in rural communities. Informal versions vary in their boundaries and customs; organised kabaddi uses a marked court, seven players on each side and agreed rules for scoring and dismissals. The sport rewards coordination rather than a lone display of power. Defenders must judge when to hold their line and when to tackle together. Bangladesh has won medals in kabaddi at the Asian Games, although cricket and football attract more everyday coverage. School grounds and local tournaments remain important places for passing on the game's practical knowledge.