Leveling the Playing Field: The Case for Women on Kabaddi Mats

Kabaddi, a physically demanding contact sport deeply ingrained in Indian culture, carries inherent risks of injuries that can sideline players for extended periods, causing them to miss out on important titles and trophies. To mitigate these risks, the use of high-quality mats is essential, as they not only protect players but also enhance the game by providing a safer and more stable playing surface.
Historically, the dimensions of Kabaddi mats have varied slightly based on factors such as gender, age group, and competition level.Men's mats typically measure 13 meters by 10 meters, while women's mats are usually 12 meters by 8 meters. However, the technical specifications of the mats, such as thickness (25-40 mm), remain consistent across genders.
The notion that court dimensions should differ based on players' gender has long been accepted in professional Kabaddi matches. Men's matches are played on a 13m x 10m court, while women's matches take place on a slightly smaller 12m x 8m court. This raises the question of whether this difference is necessary or justified.
In 2023, the introduction of cutting-edge mats in one of India's Kabaddi Leagues marked a significant step towards prioritizing athletes' safety and well-being. These modern mats, constructed from high-quality foam and synthetic materials, provide excellent shock absorption and grip, reducing the risk of injuries. The use of standardized, high-quality mats has not only increased players' confidence and improved gameplay but also made the sport safer overall.
Women have often expressed concerns, particularly during raids, leading to ongoing discussions about the disparities in mat size between genders during tournaments.
Furthermore, Kabaddi is a sport that heavily relies on breath-holding capacity. A study revealed that men and women had comparable breath-holding times (BHT), with males averaging 103.90 seconds and females averaging 104.97 seconds.
Adopting the same mat size for both genders would eliminate the need to reduce the play area for women, allowing them to compete on the same court as men. This change would save time and provide women with a larger playing area, enabling them to elevate their game to new heights.
Additionally, there would be no need to change venues or practice areas, as women could train in the same arena as men.
India is set to host the groundbreaking Global Pravasi Women's Kabaddi League (GPKL) in the National Capital Region, bringing together female Kabaddi players from over 15 countries in its inaugural season. The GPKL aims to empower women athletes and promote gender equality in Kabaddi, potentially playing a crucial role in realizing the dream of seeing Kabaddi as an Olympic sport in the near future.
Women players have consistently advocated for the use of mats designed for men's matches in women's competitions, and the GPKL is poised to provide that empowered platform. The training program for Women Kabaddi players globally, a result of an MOU signed between HIPSA (Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association), Haryana Government, and World Kabaddi, has ensured that women worldwide have been training on the same mat size as men.
Ensuring that mats are appropriate in size for both genders would further encourage equality and growth in the sport, aligning with the important principles of the Olympic Charter.