India's loss in Kabaddi at the Asian Games this year came as a shock to many. It was in India during the 9th Asian Games that a demonstration match of Kabaddi was played. Kabaddi as a game was included in the 11th Asian Games in Beijing. But this year, the all-time champions returned home without the gold for the first time. CGTN's Ravinder Bawa takes you to India, one of the lands of Kabaddi, for more on the sport.

Combative in nature, Kabaddi is a game of courage and fearlessness. Two teams of seven members take alternate chances of offense and defense. The game is all about scoring points by raiding into the opponent's court and touching maximum number of defense players without getting caught in thirty seconds. Over the last few years, the popularity of the game has increased in India. Bhavna Yadav has participated in international tournaments. She says Kabaddi is a game of people with strong hearts.

BHAVNA YADAV KABADDI PLAYER "Injury is like a jewel for a Kabaddi player. The player should also have agility and fitness, which are important qualities for a player. Leadership of the captain is necessary so that you build the coordination of the team, which is very important. For a good raid, you need to have as many skills as you can in Kabaddi."

It has been a male-dominated game all along, but now with rising opportunities, it is being seen as a career by women as well. Although still there are many taboos around it, especially women wearing shorts. But Coach Neelam Sahu has taken upon herself to break these barriers and train women players from their childhood. A national player herself she has seen the transformation of the sport in India."

NEELAM SAHU KABADDI COACH "The number of girls playing this sport is increasing day by day. Of course, they don't get equal opportunities as boys but girls are now getting eighty percent chances. Pro Kabaddi league was an event for boys but now they are focussing on girls as well. So if the girls get more opportunities why will they not choose the sport."

Many students, especially from lower economic strata of the society are training to make it their career. In this government school in the capital of the country, about forty students are enrolled for coaching, but even here the lack of facilities is affecting their performance.

DIPANSH GEHLOT KABADDI PLAYER "The bounce you get on the mat makes a huge difference to the game, the game changes up to to 30 to 40 percent. The player who can do well on clay cannot do well if he or she plays on the mat."

There is no doubt that the ancient sport of Kabaddi has risen from ruins, but if India wants to retain its number one position in the world, governments will have to invest in infrastructure for the budding players. Ravinder Bawa, CGTN, Delhi.