PREDICTION OF PLAYING ABILITY IN KABADDI FROM SELECTED ANTHROPOMETRICAL, PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES AMONG COLLEGE LEVEL PLAYERS

The purpose of the study was to predict the playing ability in Kabaddi from selected anthropometrical, physical, physiological, and psychological variables among college level players. One hundred and twenty six male inter collegiate Kabaddi players were randomly selected from various colleges in Tamilnadu state, India, with ages ranging between 18 and 28 years. All participants had past playing experience of at least three years in Kabaddi and were required to have represented their respective college teams. A series of anthropometrical measurements, including standing height and body weight, along with arm and leg length, were conducted. Physical fitness was assessed via tests measuring speed, flexibility, leg explosive strength, muscular power, and muscular endurance. Physiological parameters, such as resting heart rate and peak expiratory flow rate, were also evaluated. Psychological factors, including somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, self-confidence, and sports achievement motivation, were measured using standardized questionnaires. The results revealed that a correlation exists between playing ability and variables such as leg length, arm length, speed, explosive strength, breath holding time, muscular endurance, muscular power, and self-confidence. Furthermore, leg explosive strength, speed, self-confidence, muscular endurance, and muscular power were identified as significant predictors of playing ability in Kabaddi players.