Saldu is an indigenous game that is played among the Nicobarese tribe and it is actually a form of wrestling. The game of Saldu is considered to be one of the most prominent sports among the Nicobarese tribe. There is no need of a court in this game and Saldu is mainly played on a vacant land. A line in the centre divides the field and there are no other boundary lines. There is no restriction about the number of players who participate in the game; however, it`s mandatory for each team to comprise equal number of players. In general, the officials allow a maximum of 20 players to play in each participating team.
Rules and Regulations of Saldu
According to the rules and regulations of the game of Saldu, the raiders first stand on one side of the centre line. One player from the team of raiders enters the area of the defenders and tries to touch them, before getting back to his side by crossing the centre line. When the player succeeds in doing so, the team of raiders wins a point. Each of the players of the team of defenders, who is touched by the raider is declared as dead and is also kept out of the game. However, if the defenders become successful to catch the raider in their court, they win a point and the officials declare the raider out of the game.
After one round of raiding, the raiders become the defenders and the defenders become the raiders and raid into the court of their opponents. The game continues in this manner for a specified period of time. The game comes to an end after the specified period of time is over or if all the players of one team are sent out of the game. The team that scores the maximum number of points at the end of the game is declared as the winner of the game.
Similarities between Saldu and Kabaddi
This traditional game of Saldu has some similarities with that of Kabaddi. However, as there are no boundaries to the field, the game Saldu requires far more stamina, speed and endurance in comparison to Kabaddi. The women and men of 40 years of age participate in the game of Saldu during a special festival of the Nicobarese tribe.