h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Anyone else remember this?
About 5 years ago (maybe longer) they had this sport on Channel 4 in the UK. It was an African thing (i think). The rules were this:
2 opposing teams of about 5 or 6 players.
1 ball
The teams have to get the ball to the opposing side of the pitch- it has to be in contact with them at all times (so carrying it, then)
Now here's the interesting bit. Whenever a player has the ball, they MUST constantly say "Kabbaddikabbaddikabbaddikabbaddi"etc. If they stop saying the word, the ball is given to the other team.
No weapons.
That's it.

Watching grown men leaping on each other, in an effort to stop someone saying "kabbaddi".
Sheer genius.

Well mostly yes, except it is an Indian thing.

I've played this.
The rules were a bit different, but the same kabbaddikabbaddikabbaddi...

It's a good game, and people seem not to get hurt.

The reason people have to chant Kabbaddi ("nice and loudly" as the C4 commentator always used to say) was to prove to the officials and the other team that they were in fact holding their breath.

When you consider the strenuous effort put in to an attack, and the fact that each one could last anything up to about two minutes, it becomes apparent what great strength and deication is required to become a master of this sport.

Absolutely. My household was fascinated by the sport. The Channel 4 show -- Sunday mornings was it? -- became compulsory viewing for us all

oops I meant dedication! Perhaps deication would require them to become gods?! I'm only at work today to proof read my reports. Doesn't bode well really.

I absolutely agree about it being required viewing, although my parents weren't too keen, especially as my brother and I would then spend all day jumping all over the house chanting kabaddi at the top of our voices. I probably still would if they put it on the television again.