Diu, May 20 (H.S.): Beach kabaddi has taken a significant step towards leaving a lasting impression in the Khelo India Beach Games 2025. The popular form of kabaddi played on the mat receives tremendous support from audiences in India, and a major professional league that started years ago is also enhancing its popularity. In addition to mat kabaddi, there is a form of kabaddi played on beaches, known as beach kabaddi. Last year, when the beach games were held in Diu, beach kabaddi was also included in the event.
Simrat Gaikwad, the senior coach in charge of organizing all eight sports (including two demo games) at Ghoghla Beach, believes that this is a very exciting time for beach kabaddi. She said, This is a new format. The Khelo India Beach Games is a great platform for popularizing this sport.
Sunita, the coach of the girls’ kabaddi team from Delhi, also has high hopes for this new version. She said, It’s a completely different atmosphere. Playing by the beautiful seashore is a unique experience. Kabaddi is already very popular in India. I hope that beach kabaddi will also establish its identity through the Khelo India Beach Games.
Beach kabaddi is far more challenging than indoor kabaddi as players have to contend with natural conditions. For example, running and changing direction becomes difficult when feet sink in the sand. Additionally, the intense sunlight and sea breeze put players’ endurance to a tough test. Sometimes the cool sea wind blows, while at other times it completely stops. All these factors affect performance.
Sunita also added that the circumstances are even more difficult for players from non-coastal states as they are unfamiliar with them. She says, “Here, the artificial sand turf is good, but the entire atmosphere is extremely different and challenging.”
Simrat Gaikwad, who resides in Thane, Mumbai, and has participated in seven national competitions, believes that although much still needs to be done to advance this sport, it has a bright future. She said, “When such events are held regularly, more people will join in. If it becomes a viable career option, then beach kabaddi could also be on the path to popularity.”
As for the rules, the basic elements of beach kabaddi and traditional kabaddi are the same, but some changes have been made to suit the beach conditions. For example, there are seven players in traditional kabaddi, whereas each team in beach kabaddi has four players. Each half is 15 minutes long, while in traditional kabaddi it is 20 minutes. There is no revival for players in beach kabaddi, and the court is also quite small.
KIBG 2025 has two pools in the boys’ and girls’ categories. Eight teams are participating in each category. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals. Beach kabaddi matches have started from Tuesday, and both finals will take place on Saturday, which will be the last competitive day of the Khelo India Beach Games.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
