At a gymnasium near Nagoya, Japan’s kabaddi team secured a 62-35 victory over South Korea during the ongoing Asian Games, keeping their hopes alive for a medal in a sport traditionally dominated by South Asian nations. The contest drew several hundred schoolchildren cheering on Japan’s efforts to raise the profile of kabaddi in the country.

Kabaddi, a contact sport with origins in rural South Asia, is played between two teams of seven players on a court roughly the size of a badminton court. It involves a raider entering the opposing team’s half to tag defenders and return safely while continuously chanting "kabaddi" to demonstrate breath control. The sport combines elements of tag, wrestling, and rugby but involves no ball.

Japan’s growing involvement in kabaddi owes much to a popular manga comic, "Burning Kabaddi," which has inspired many amateur players. Team captain Tetsuro Abe noted that more than 80 percent of the Japanese players began their journey into the sport through this comic. The team, composed mainly of amateurs who balance full-time jobs as teachers and food service workers, competes without financial support, receiving only special leave from employers to participate.

Kabaddi first made an impact in Japan during the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, where the men’s team captured a bronze medal. This year’s home Games represent a critical opportunity to elevate the sport’s status and attract sponsorships within Japan.

“The sport remains minor here, partly because it requires no equipment, which is both a strength and a challenge,” Abe said after the match. He expressed optimism that improving the environment for kabaddi in Japan could enable the team to compete effectively against powerhouses like India and Iran.

As the tournament continues, Japan’s players hope to capitalize on their growing fan base and achieve a breakthrough that would boost kabaddi’s popularity and development in the country.