How does a raider get a bonus point in kabaddi?
B · Beginner · Raiding and defending · 6 of 9A raider earns one bonus point by crossing the bonus line, which is one metre beyond the baulk line. It counts only when the defending team has at least six players on court, and only if the raider crosses before touching a defender or being held. Nobody is revived for a bonus point.
How it works
- Where it is: 1 m beyond the baulk line, towards the end line.
- Six defenders: "The Bonus line will be applicable when there are minimum 6 defending players in the half."
- What counts as crossing: a part of the body on the ground between the bonus line and the end line, with no part on the ground between the mid line and the bonus line.
- Before contact: the raider must cross before touching a defender and before being caught. Crossing after a touch or a struggle earns nothing.
- Added to touch points: a raider who crosses and then puts defenders out gets those points as well.
- Caught afterwards: the bonus point still stands, and the defence gets its point for the catch.
- Signal: the referee or umpire gives it after the raid, with a thumb turned up towards the scoring side.
- No revival: a bonus point brings no player back.
The glossary has the bonus line, the bonus point, the baulk line, the raider, the defender and the revival.
Tricky cases
The defence has five players on court. Can the raider score a bonus?
No. The line applies only with six or more defenders.
Two defenders are suspended by yellow cards and five are on court. Can the raider score a bonus?
Yes. Suspended players are "counted as if on the field to award Bonus point", so the defence counts as seven.
A raider touches a defender and then steps over the bonus line. Bonus?
No. The bonus has to be taken before a touch or a struggle.
A raider is grabbed while stepping over the bonus line and is held. Who scores?
The defending team only. If the raider is caught "while crossing the bonus line", there is a point to the defence and no bonus.
Why the rule exists
A full defence of six or seven is hard to touch, and raiders could settle for safe empty raids. The bonus point pays them for going a metre deeper, where they are easier to catch. Against five or fewer the raider already has room, so the bonus is switched off.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Six or seven defenders on court | Bonus line in use | IKF Rule 53a |
| Five or fewer | No bonus point | IKF Rule 53a |
| Suspended or disqualified defenders | Counted as on the field for the bonus | IKF Rule 53g |
| Tie-breaker raids | Both teams field seven, and the baulk line serves as the bonus line | IKF Rule 55a; 55b |
| Beach kabaddi | No bonus line | Same book, beach chapter (opening pages only read) |
From the rule book
Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, Rules and Regulations of All Forms of Kabaddi (version 2.1.0, the International Kabaddi Federation rules, 2017), Rules 4h, 4i, 53 and 55. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: Rules and Regulations of All Forms of Kabaddi (PDF, a scan).