Why kabaddi players rub their hands with the soil before the game starts?

Question

How many players are court while playing a kabaddi game?

Answer 1

here is some reason for rub their hands with the soil
1. To keep hands dry as soil will absorb the moisture.
2. To increase the roughness of the hands.

Both these phenomenon will increase the friction between hands and the opponent's body, thus be better able to stop them.