Dhopkhel is a traditional ball game of Assam, India. The game is played mainly during the Bihu festival. in Assam. It is played with two teams of 11 players trying to knock each other out by throwing a ball to their opponents in a sport with big fields. Dhopkhel is a game based on speed, stamina, and acrobatic behavior in a sport similar to the game of Kabaddi.
Key details:
- Gameplay: One player from each turn will throw a ball aiming to knock out the opponents.
- Objective: The objective is to knock out as many opponents as possible while tending to catch that ball after throwing it. A player is knocked out if they are thrown the ball and they get touched.
- Field: The rules state that the game is played within a 125 m x 80 m playing field with four flags marking four corners.
- Historical Background: Dhopkhel was played to entertain Ahom royalty and traditionally is a sport played during the Bihu festival.
- Kabaddi: Dhopkhel is extremely similar to the game of Kabaddi in regard for the nature of competitive speed and agility.
