MoU inked to integrate Gatka into mainstream sporting framework

Strategic alliance aims to cultivate next generation of Gatka champions : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 18, 2025 – In a landmark stride towards institutionalizing India’s rich martial heritage of Gatka, NIILM University Kaithal and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) have formally entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaborative endeavour is dedicated to the systematic promotion, development and popularization of Gatka as a premier competitive sport in India.
The momentous agreement was executed by Sandeep Chahal, Chairman of NIILM University and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice President of the NGAI, who represented NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Davinder Dhull, University Director (Sports) and Narender Pal Singh, Joint Secretary of the Haryanvi Gatka Association underscoring robust regional endorsement for this visionary initiative.
After signing ceremony Chairman Amit Chahal stated that this alliance is poised to unlock unprecedented avenues for students, athletes and academic scholars. It signifies a concerted effort to transcend Gatka’s traditional role as a cultural exhibition and propelling it into the realm of organized competitions and academic discourse. “Through this pioneering collaboration, NIILM University solidifies its position among the select few higher education institutions to formally align with the prescribed rules of World Gatka Federation, thereby amplifying Haryana’s indelible mark on the promotion of indigenous sports,” he added.
Elaborating on the partnership, Gatka visionary Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal revealed that the MoU signifies a strategic fusion aimed at embedding Gatka training, competitions and academic inquiry within the university ecosystem. “As per the accord, NIILM University will furnish state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and institutional backing for national level Gatka initiatives while the NGAI will contribute technical mastery, certified coaches and officials and will facilitate the organization of specialized training programs and national-level competitions,” he elaborated.
The NGAI president Grewal further stated that the partnership comprehensively envisions systematic talent scouting, capacity enhancement for technical officials and vigorous promotion of Gatka through both scholarly and athletic platforms.
Echoing this sentiment, general secretary of Haryanvi Gatka Association Sukhchain Singh Kalsani emphasized that the historic collaboration with NIILM University mirrors the burgeoning acknowledgment of Gatka as a dual embodiment of ancient martial tradition and modern sporting discipline. “Universities serve as vital crucibles for preserving indigenous sports while bestowing upon them contemporary significance. This MoU represents a decisive leap in that very direction,” he concluded.

Gatka officiating gets a reset as three days national refresher course wraps up

Updated edition of WGF rulebook to be published soon : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 15, 2025 – The National Gatka Refresher Course concluded on a high note with the successful conduct of a written examination by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), marking a decisive step towards professionalising officiating standards in the traditional martial sport. The test formed the basis for grading and certification of Gatka officials, a process that will now determine their eligibility to officiate national level competitions.
Addressing the gathering at the valedictory session, NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said the certification exercise was aimed at ensuring uniform interpretation of rules, strengthening technical competence and reinforcing discipline and fairness during tournaments. “Only certified referees and judges, assessed through structured theory and practical evaluation, will henceforth be entrusted with officiating responsibilities at national championships and major events” he added.
Gatka promoter Grewal said the refresher course and examination were part of a long-term roadmap to elevate Gatka officiating to international benchmarks. He announced that the next National Gatka Refresher Course will be organised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh in January in association with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh. Grewal further revealed that similar Gatka programmes would be rolled out in other parts of the country to widen the pool of trained and certified officials.
In another key announcement, Grewal informed that the amended fifth edition of the World Gatka Federation International Rules Book would be published shortly. The updated edition, he said, reflects recent reforms and practical insights gained from national and international competitions and will serve as the authoritative reference for players, officials and organisers.
Participants from different states lauded the initiative, describing the course as a rare and valuable learning experience. Aman Singh of Chhattisgarh, Pandurang Ambhure from Maharashtra, Gurwinder Singh Ghanouli of Punjab and Harnam Singh from Haryana said the blend of detailed theoretical inputs and hands-on practical sessions had significantly enhanced their understanding of officiating protocols, competition management and decision making on the field.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council said the NGAI has signalled a clear shift towards structured governance, accountability and professionalism in Gatka, setting the stage for more disciplined and globally aligned competitions in the years ahead.
Harjinder Kumar, NGAI General Secretary and Baljit Singh, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab collectively underlined the need for continuous capacity building to keep pace with Gatka’s growing national and international footprint.

Regular capacity-building is vital for fair play, says Kalsani

International affairs directorate plans for worldwide Gatka growth : Phool Raj Singh

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025 : The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh bringing together officials from several states for a three-day upgrade in technical training sessions. The programme features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations aimed at standardising officiating practices across the country.

Throughout the day experts led modules on competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also undertook practical exercises designed to strengthen their on-ground decision making.

Speaking at the inaugural session World Gatka Federation (WGF) president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a significant move in maintaining the discipline protocol of the sport. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also serving as president of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), informed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category card in the international Gatka rules book. “This measure reinforces the dignity of technical officials, smooth conduct of bouts and ensuring to maintain discipline in players during competitions. This punitive card will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unholy behaviour,” he stated.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, emphasised that ongoing capacity-building is essential to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Speaking on the occasion President, Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrela, Municipal Councillor Chandigarh said structured refresher courses not only sharpen the proficiency of officials but also help preserve uniformity in the rapidly developing sport.

Offering a global perspective, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, shared the WGF’s plans to accelerate international expansion. He disclosed that national Gatka federations would soon be constituted in multiple countries accompanied by enhanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that the coming years would see more international level tournaments aimed at strengthening Gatka’s presence on the world sports stage.

The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments designed to prepare certified officials for national and international roles.

Also present on the occasion were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of the National Gatka Association, Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh joint secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar.