kabaddi
/ˈkʌbədi
/ /kəˈbadi /noun [mass noun]
A sport of Indian origin played by teams of seven on a circular sand court. The players attempt to tag or capture opponents and must hold their breath while running, repeating the word ‘kabaddi’ to show that they are doing so.The four golds that India garnered from outside the athletics events came from kabaddi, tennis, snooker and golf....
- After the success of its gridiron coverage, Channel 4 turned its attentions to the subcontinent and the ancient Indian discipline kabaddi.
- Sanjiva, from the Uttar Pradesh school of kabaddi and employed with Indian Railways, ruled out the need for drastic changes in the sport, just to cater to growing markets.
Origin
Of uncertain origin; compare with Kannada kabalisu 'to gulp' and Hindi kabaḍḍī 'shout “kabaddi”'.