16 rules across 4 categories
Kabaddi is played on Japanese Synthetic Rubber+EVA mat (25-30 Shore A, 30-40mm thickness) or soft soil surface.
Official court dimensions: Men (13m x 10m), Women (12m x 8m), Sub-Junior (11m x 8m).
The lines on all four sides of the playfield are known as boundaries (AB, BC, CD, DA), measuring exactly 5cm in width.
The 1-meter side strips (Lobbies) are OUT of bounds before touch, but open into legal court once contact occurs.
L-shaped sitting area located 4 meters from sidelines where OUT players sit in order of elimination.
The horizontal line dividing the playfield into two equal halves (Court A & Court B).
3.75m (Men) / 3m (Women) from midline. Raider foot must touch ground past baulk line.
1m past Baulk Line. 6/7 defenders required. 1 foot grounded inside + 1 foot airborne.
3, 2, or 1 defender tackles raider = 2 POINTS awarded to defending team.
3rd consecutive empty raid requires mandatory score or raider is declared OUT.
Tie-breaker sudden death raid where leading point wins match immediately.
Putting all 7 opponents out awards 2 extra Lona points + 15s full team revival.
The repeated, clear aloud sounding chant of the approved word "KABADDI" without break in breath.
When raider enters opponent half with cant to attack. Maximum duration is 30 seconds.
Physical contact by raider on defender body/jersey. Activates side lobbies into active play field.