Women’s kabaddi in India follows rules similar to those of men’s kabaddi, with some variations to accommodate the specific needs and dynamics of women’s play. The rules are governed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). Here are the key rules and regulations:

Team Composition

Team Size: Each team consists of 12 players, with 7 players on the court and 5 substitutes.

Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed, but only during stoppages in play.

Match Structure

Duration: A match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a 5-minute halftime break.

Time-outs: Each team is allowed two 30-second time-outs per half.

Playing Area

Court Dimensions: The standard kabaddi court is 13 meters long and 10 meters wide for women.

Midline: Divides the court into two equal halves.

Baulk Line and Bonus Line: The baulk line is 3.75 meters from the midline, and the bonus line is 1 meter from the baulk line.

Gameplay

Raid: A raider enters the opponent’s half to tag defenders and return to their own half within 30 seconds while chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi”.

Scoring:

• Tagging: Each tagged defender scores a point for the raider’s team.
• Bonus Point: A raider can earn a bonus point by crossing the bonus line with one foot while the other remains in the air.
• Touching the Midline: The raider must return to their own half without being caught.

Defending: Defenders try to stop the raider from returning to their half by tackling them.

Super Tackle: If there are three or fewer defenders and they successfully stop the raider, the defending team earns two points.

All-Out: If all players on a team are out, the opposing team earns two extra points, and the out players are revived.

Fouls and Violations

Out of Bounds: A player is out if they step outside the boundary lines.

Illegal Hold: Holding the raider above the waist or using violent force is prohibited.

Late Raid: A raid exceeding 30 seconds results in the raider being declared out.

Chanting: The raider must continuously chant “kabaddi” without breaking the chant; otherwise, they are declared out.

Revival and Substitution

Revival: Each point scored by a team revives one out player in sequential order.

Substitution: Substitutes can replace players during stoppages in play, but once substituted out, a player cannot return to the match.

Officials

Referees: Two referees oversee the match, ensuring rules are followed and making decisions on points and fouls.

Scorers: Keep track of points, raids, and player status.

Timekeepers: Ensure the match duration and time-outs are correctly observed.

Conduct and Discipline

Code of Conduct: Players must respect opponents, officials, and the spirit of the game.

Penalties: Misconduct can lead to warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.

Domestic Competitions

Tournaments: Various national and state-level tournaments are organized, including the Senior National Kabaddi Championship for Women and the Pro Kabaddi League (Women’s Edition).

League Play: Professional leagues like the Women’s Kabaddi Challenge follow similar rules and provide a platform for top players to compete.

These rules ensure that the game is played fairly, safely, and competitively, promoting the development and popularity of women’s kabaddi in India.