Manga ``Scorching Kabaddi'' contributes to popularization of the game, and Japanese men are one step closer to advancing to the semifinals

Kabaddi is a competitive game that is a combination of tag and dodgeball. Although the Japanese men lost in the first round, they won two games and are one step closer to advancing to the semifinals, where they will secure their first medal in 16 years.

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There is a manga that inspired some of the national team's athletes to take up the sport, and has greatly contributed to raising awareness of the sport. ``Shakunetsu Kabaddi'' was serialized on Shogakukan's app ``Manga One'' until 2024.

The sport originated in India, and is said to have its origins in hunting during the B.C. A team of 7 people compete. A point is scored if one attacker enters the opponent's half, keeps saying "kabaddi" without taking a breather, touches an opponent player, and returns to his own half. The defender will tackle him or grab his ankle to prevent him from returning.

Shoya Suzuki (Japan Association), who leads Japan's offensive line, originally devoted himself to gymnastics. He attended a trial session with a senior who taught him Shoten Kabaddi when he was in high school, and began competing. Several other athletes also discovered the same manga through the same manga. According to the Japan Association, there are about 400 registered players, both male and female, and about 5,000 enthusiasts in Japan. Suzuki says, ``It's so ingrained that it's hard to find a player in Japan who doesn't know about 'Scorching Kabaddi.''

The Japanese team strengthened their skills by traveling to their home country of India twice this year. In this tournament, they received great support from the locals and struggled to defeat Bangladesh, who suffered a crushing defeat last time. Captain Tetsuro Abe (Tender Loving Care Service) emphasizes, ``This is a sport that is very suitable for Japanese people.'' We hope to use this excitement as a springboard for widespread use.