In professional Kabaddi, there is no longer a mandatory breathing rule that requires raiders to hold their breath for the duration of their raid. This marks a significant evolution from the sport's traditional practices.
Evolution of the Breathing Rule
Traditionally, a core and distinguishing element of a Kabaddi raid was the "cant." During a raid, players were required to continuously chant "Kabaddi, Kabaddi" (or a similar designated phrase) without taking a breath. This continuous vocalization served as an audible proof that the raider was holding their breath, or at least not inhaling, throughout their time in the opponent's half. The intention behind this rule was to ensure that the raider completed their offensive move in a single, sustained effort, preventing them from pausing to rest or strategize by taking a breath. If a raider failed to maintain the cant or took a breath during the raid, they would be declared "out" and have to return to their side without scoring any points.
Current Breathing Regulations in Professional Kabaddi
Modern professional Kabaddi has moved away from this strict requirement. Breath-holding is no longer required in professional Kabaddi. Raiders are now permitted to breathe during their raid. While the "cant" may still be performed by some players, its primary function is no longer to demonstrate breath control but rather to maintain rhythm, intimidate opponents, or simply adhere to a traditional aspect of the game.
This shift in rules reflects the sport's adaptation to modern athletic standards and spectator appeal. It potentially reduces the extreme physical strain on raiders associated with prolonged breath-holding, while still maintaining the fast-paced, tactical nature of Kabaddi.
Here's a comparison of the breathing rule across different eras:
| Aspect | Traditional Kabaddi (Historical Practice) | Professional Kabaddi (Current Rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing | Raiders were strictly required to hold their breath (or not inhale) during the entire raid. | Raiders are no longer required to hold their breath; they can breathe during the raid. |
| The Cant | Essential for proving continuous breath-holding and the validity of the raid. | May still be used, but its primary purpose is no longer to signify mandatory breath-holding. |
| Penalty | Failure to maintain breath-hold or the cant resulted in the raider being declared out. | Not applicable; there is no penalty specifically for breathing during a raid as it is now permitted. |
This adaptation allows for more strategic play and showcases the physical prowess of athletes without the sole reliance on sustained breath-holding.
