IKF-International Kabaddi Federation

International Kabaddi federation (IKF)

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) is the international governing body of Kabaddi. Its membership comprises 31 national associations. The federation was formed in 2004. The founder president is being Janardan Singh Gehlot from India. The other office bearers were: Mohammed Ali Pour (Iran), Khana Jawa (Japan), Veerawat (Thailand), Yoon Yeong Hak (South Korea), Ashok Das (United Kingdom); (Vice-presidents), Nisar Ahmed (Germany); (Secretary), R.M. Sunderashan (Malaysia); (Treasurer), Jaya Shetty (India); (CEO). Shankarrao Salvi (India); (Advisor).

The word Kabaddi is derived from a Tamil word Kai-pidi literally meaning "(let's) Hold Hands". It is the national game of Bangladesh and the state game of Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh in India. The national kabaddi champion in India is the famous Peter Singh Virk. In the international team version of kabaddi, two teams of seven members each occupy opposite halves of a field of 10 m × 13 m in case of men and 8 m × 12 m in case of women. Each has three supplementary players held in reserve. The game is played with 20-minute halves and a five-minute halftime break during which the teams exchange sides.

The Kabaddi Federation of India (KFI) was founded in 1950, and it compiled a standard set of rules. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) was founded in 1973. The AKFI has given new shape to the rules and it has also the rights of modification in the rules. The Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF) was founded under the chairmanship of Sharad Pawar.

The first ever International Federation for Kabaddi sport "World Kabaddi Federation" (WKF) was officially founded in 2003 with a vision to find a way to unite all the Kabaddi organizations. Later as per the decision of the First World Congress held on the 4th Nov. 2004, "World Kabaddi Federation" was incorporated under section 25 of the companies Act, 1956 on 30th September 2005 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India as an International Sports Federation (ISF) to govern the game of Kabaddi at international level.

Men World Cup

The Kabaddi World Cup was first played in 2004 and then in 2007 and 2010. So far India is the unbeaten champion in Kabaddi World Cup. Pakistan and Iran are the next most successful nations, with the former being runners-up thrice and the latter twice.

Results of Men’s Kabaddi World Cup to date:

Year    Winner                       Runner-up

2004    India 55 – 27              Iran

2007    India 29 – 19              Iran

2010    India 58 – 51              Pakistan

2011    India 59 – 25              Canada

2012    India 59 – 22              Pakistan

2013    India 48 – 39              Pakistan

Women World Cup

The Women's Kabaddi World Cup was first played in 2012 in Patna, Bihar, India. India won the championship defeating Iran in the finals. India retained the title in 2013 by defeating the debutants New Zealand in the finals.

Results of Women’s Kabaddi World Cup to date:

Year    Winner           Runner-up

2012    India 25          19 Iran

2013    India 49          21 New Zealand