Credit: Twitter
The popular Indian sport, Kabaddi has been around for quite a while now and is also played professionally worldwide. But recently a video captured in neighbouring country Pakistan has grabbed eyeballs as it features a game similar to kabaddi, yet very different from Kabaddi. It is referred to as Slap Kabaddi or Thappad Kabaddi by the locals and is watched live by hundreds of locals in the country. The game is a direct contact, individual sport but the players slap each other instead of wrestling, like in Kabaddi.
Slap Kabaddi is more enjoyable and humorous, in the opinion of Pakistani player Haji Tassawur than traditional kabaddi. According to him, viewers of Slap Kabaddi prefer it over the traditional version because they find the slapping amusing and enjoy rooting for their favourite players.
Social media users have gone viral with videos of Slap Kabaddi matches, expressing their interest in and enjoyment of the activity. Others have seen parallels between it and different combat sports, such as boxing or mixed martial arts. Slap Kabaddi is a fun and enjoyable way to demonstrate power and talent, not an aggressive or violent sport.
Slap Kabaddi: All you need to know
What are the rules of slap kabaddi?
Slap Kabaddi is a one-on-one sport in which competitors compete against one another in a circular arena while dressed traditionally. The goal is to slap the opponent as hard and frequently as you can while defending yourself from or deflecting slaps from the opposite side. Punches are deemed fouls and can get you kicked out of the game. The game continues until either one of the competitors quits or the referee identifies a winner using the points accrued through hitting and erasing.
Where and how did Slap Kabaddi originate?
The origin of Slap Kabaddi is not clear, but some sources suggest that it may have been inspired by a similar sport called Vajra Mushti, which was practiced in ancient India and involved fist-fighting with knuckle-dusters. However, Slap Kabaddi has its own rules and style, which make it distinct and unique.
How many players feature in one team of Slap Kabaddi?
Unlike Kabaddi, Slap Kabaddi is not a team sport, but it is a one-on-one combat sport played by individuals.
