Langdi
Brief introduction of Langdi
Langdi is a historic and cultural Indian sport. It is played in almost entire India. It is analogous to the Hopscotch sport. The rule of hoping is what that is homogenous in both sports. Its origin is believed to be from the Pandyan Dynasty which traced hundreds of years back to the present time. The sport has lived the course of time. One foot is placed on the ground and the other one is folded in a manner to hop or jump in order to catch the defender. The match is executed in teams, which take turns to play the defender and the chaser.
Things required to play Langdi
It is can be played in the everyday setting and no equipment us needed. A rectangular playing filed is needed in order to play. A central line is required to divide the area into equal rectangular halves. As for the International levels, the playing time is set at thirty-six minutes in four innings, each of nine minutes. A total of nine players are actively playing and twelve are present in International setup, with the three being additional players. When it comes to the street style of playing the sport, there are no restrictions of the playing field and the rules are not strictly defined other than a few basic rules which define the game.
Required skills to play Langdi
This sport is kind of chasing sport so the swiftness, agility and briskness of the player in needed. The muscular strength is improved and enhanced. The keen eye movements are needed to catch the defender and tag him. The planning skills and quick response to the situation is of great importance as when to step out of the field but keep being on one leg. The team spirit is promoted and players learn to coordinate. The stamina is multiplied and the friendly spirits are highlighted among players. The mental skills are sharpened as the quick decisions are made. The sports are the liveliest part of any society or culture.
How to play Langdi?
Langdi is a traditional sport which is played mostly on the streets but the efforts have been made to keep it alive and introduce it on national and international levels. The player from the chasing team who enters the field is the attacker and the rest of team of chasers stay out. The attacker enters form the attacking zone specified for him. The defenders may enter in a set of three people, they enter from defending zone, specified for them in the playing arena. They run with both legs but the attacker is restricted to hop on one leg. The attacker tries to tag the defenders by touching the palm and when this happens, the defender is declared out. When all the three defenders are out, the set of new three enter the area. They try to get in the field before the attacker crosses certain line. If defenders fail to enter before the attacker, then they are given a penalty for late entry and one of the defenders or all are called out. The points are scored by tagging the defenders. The other team takes turn of defending. If they manage to out all as the previous team before time, then both teams enter playoff match. The rules for which may vary.
Some important rules to play Langdi
- The chaser is supposed to chase but only by hopping on one leg. So, one leg touches the ground while the other one is in air.
- The chaser or the attacker can switch the leg on which he is hopping while chasing the defender in playing field; this is called ‘Change of Leg’. But, it should not be performed when the attacker enters the playing field.
- A specific zone is marked for the attacker and defender to enter the playing field and they are the entry zones for the respective. If the respective entry is not made from the specified zones, then foul is given to the player.
- The defender cannot cross the boundary line and is restricted within the area. He can run simply with agility and the condition of hoping is not applied on him.
- The attacker is not allowed touch any part of his body during playing except he leg on which he is hopping. If he does touch any part of body, then a foul is given.
- If the defender tries to block the path of the attacker or disturbs the one, a foul is given to the defender.
- Only one member of the chasing team is in the boundary at a time and the others stay out of the field, they are regarded as chasers and the one in the field is the attacker.
- The chaser can step out of the boundary of the playing field provided that he is still in hoping position and one leg is folded and he can enter again without any issue.
- The team that wins the toss plays the defender first. Both teams take turns at chasing and defending.
- When all the defenders get out, the other team takes the turn.
- The team which tags more number of players while chasing win the game or the one which tags more quickly than the given time.
- The attacker should tag the defender with palm, then the only the defender is given out. When this happens the chasing team scores a point.
Conclusion
The sport is an element of the rich culture of India. It reflects the humanly and friendly attitude of the people. It is an easy sport that can be played in natural conditions. The game is a good source of fun and an escape from the daily grind of modern life. The sport is played in the entire country and serves a basis of unity. It is healthy sport and enjoyable as well. The chaser and defender concept is applied in many sports but the element of hoping while catching the defender gives this sport its unique style and a separate identity. Over time, many countries have adopted it.
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