In kabaddi, what is "raider's cant"?
VerifiedAnswer: The continuous, unbroken chanting of "kabaddi" by the raider while in the opponent's half.
Explanation:
The raider's cant is one of the most distinctive and fundamental rules of kabaddi that makes the sport unique. When a player from one team crosses into the opponent's half to attempt a raid, they must continuously chant the word "kabaddi" without taking a breath. This vocal requirement serves as a crucial game mechanism that adds both strategy and excitement to the sport.
The purpose of this continuous chanting is to prove that the raider is holding their breath throughout their attack. In traditional kabaddi, this rule ensures that raids are quick and strategic, as the raider has limited time based on their lung capacity. The moment the raider stops chanting, takes a breath, or breaks the rhythm of saying "kabaddi," they are immediately declared out and must return to their half without earning any points.
This rule creates an intense atmosphere during gameplay. Spectators can clearly hear when a raider is struggling to maintain their chant, which builds suspense as the raid progresses. The defending team often tries to hold the raider for as long as possible, forcing them to exhaust their breath and break their cant. Meanwhile, the raider must balance their need to touch opponents and return safely with their diminishing lung capacity.
It's worth noting that in modern Pro Kabaddi League matches, this traditional breathing rule has been modified. Professional kabaddi now uses a 30-second shot clock instead of relying solely on the raider's breath control. However, raiders still maintain the chanting tradition as it remains an integral part of the sport's identity and helps maintain the game's rhythm and authenticity.
