History of BKF

Although various descriptions indicate a long history of the game of Kabaddi, there is no clear idea about the origin of this game. The origin of Kabaddi is traced back to prehistoric times. It is believed that this game was invented from the efforts of a single person to resist the attack of a group of people from the opposite direction. The origin of Kabaddi is indicated by the Mahabharata. It is also believed that this game was created based on the story of Abhimanyu's failed attempt to break through the Chakravyuha of the Kaurava soldiers. In Buddhist literature, the game of Kabaddi is mentioned for the entertainment of Gautama Buddha. Various accounts say that for ages, princes used to play Kabaddi to win the hearts of women by showing their strength. Although there is no specific documentary evidence of its origin, it can be said that, the game of Kabaddi is several thousand years old.

Various sources indicate that this game was known by different names in South Asia, and there were differences in the style of the game. An important role behind popularizing Kabaddi in undivided India was played by the once bilingual Bombay state; which is now Maharashtra. It is known from various accounts that the rules of Kabaddi were formulated in 1918 which were printed in 1923. The first Kabaddi game was held in Baroda following the printed rules. It was an all-India Kabaddi competition.

In 1936, Kabaddi was exhibited at the Berlin Olympics through which the game became known in the international arena. The Indian Kabaddi Federation was formed in 1950. Since then, the modern rules of the game have been gradually formulated at different times. After the partition, the game is practiced in East and West Pakistan in various accounts.

Independent Bangladesh played its first international match against India in 1974. A 5-match Kabaddi Test between Bangladesh and India was organized. The Asian Kabaddi Federation was formed in 1978. Two years after the formation of the Asian organization of the game, the first Asian Kabaddi Championship was held in 1980. To popularize Kabaddi in the Asian region, the game was exhibited at the 1982 Delhi Asian Games. Kabaddi was included as a regular discipline in the SAFF Games held in Dhaka in 1985 through which the game gained global recognition. Kabaddi expanded further in the global arena by being included as a regular discipline in the 1990 Asian Games. The game is gradually expanding internationally through competitions like World Cup Kabaddi, Asian Championship, Asian Beach Kabaddi Championship, and Indoor Kabaddi.