Atya-patya
Atya-patya is a traditional Indian line-tag game played on a narrow grid court. Attackers attempt to cross nine transverse trenches while defenders restricted to specific lines attempt to tag them.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Maharashtra, India
- PLAYERS
- 18 on court · 9 per side
- EQUIPMENT
- None
- PLAYING AREA
- 37 × 6 m court
- DURATION
- 4 × 7 min innings
- GOVERNING BODY
- APFI
- OLYMPIC
- No
Standard scoring structure
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Crossing single pati (line) | 1 point |
| Full traverse out and back (Loni) | Bonus points |
| Tagged by defender | Attacker out |
| Stepping out of bounds | Attacker out |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1300 | Mentioned in early Marathi literature as a popular rural game |
| 1914 | First standardized rules framed by Deccan Gymkhana, Pune |
| 1982 | Atya Patya Federation of India (APFI) established |
| 1988 | First official National Atya Patya Championship held in India |
How a game works
Nine defenders occupy nine crosswise lines (patis) and one central line (sur-pati). Nine attackers enter the field from one end, attempting to dodge past defenders to reach the far end and return. Defenders can move along their assigned line to tag attackers, while attackers must jump across lines without being touched.
Scoring in one line
Teams earn points for every line successfully crossed by attackers, with bonus scores for completing a full round trip.
Where it came from
The game originated in Maharashtra, India, as a folk sport played in open fields during festivals. Standardized rules were formally drafted by the Deccan Gymkhana in Pune in 1914 to preserve and structure the sport for competitive play.
Atya-patya today
The game is governed by the Atya Patya Federation of India, which organizes national senior and junior championships. Recognized by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, it remains popular in rural regions and school physical education programs.
Run a Atya-patya tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 4 × 7 min.
FAQ
Is Atya-patya an Olympic sport?
No, Atya-patya is not an Olympic sport, though it is recognized by regional sports authorities in India.
How is Atya-patya different from Kho-Kho?
In Kho-Kho, pursuers chase runners freely around central poles, whereas in Atya-patya, defenders are strictly restricted to movement along specific transverse and central lines.
How many players are on an Atya-patya court?
Each match features two teams of nine players on the court simultaneously, making 18 active players in total.