HSGMC also organizes Turban langar and medical camp for sangat

Dhamtan Sahib (Khanouri), March 4, 2026: On the sacred occasion of Hola-Mohalla, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara  Parbandhak Committee (HSGMC) organized Sikh martial arts competitions at the historic Gurdwara Dhamtan Sahib. The event commenced with an Ardas (Prayer) performed by Giani Joginder Singh, the Granthi of Gurdwara Sahib.

The event was attended by the distinguished dignitaries including Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa, Member HSGMC from Tohana constituency, Advocate Sardar Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of World Gatka Federation and Chairman of International Sikh Martial Art Academy (ISMAA), Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, General Secretary, Haryanvi Gatka Association, Dildeep Singh, Vice President, International Sikh Martial Art Council, Harsimran Singh, Coordinator, National Gatka Association of India, Sherry Singh, Coordinator, Gatka Association of Punjab and Pradeep Singh, National Gatka Coach, National Gatka Association of India.

Addressing the gathering Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa stated that the HSGMC celebrates the sacred festival of Hola-Mohalla on a grand scale at this historic Gurdwara. The celebrations include demonstrations of traditional Sikh martial art and the organization of a Kesari (saffron) turban langar to promote awareness about Sikh religion, its history and culture in the region. He added that the primary objective of this initiative is to promote physical fitness, self-defence, discipline and team spirit among the youth while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Sikhs. In addition, a free medical facility and health check-up camp were organized to serve the large number of devotees paying obeisance.

Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal thanked the large crowd of devotees that gathered to witness the thrilling and awe-inspiring feats performed by Gatka players. Gatka promoter Grewal highlighted that over the past two decades this historic sport has achieved remarkable milestones in all the national level games and has been officially included among the country’s recognized sports. “Efforts are also underway to expand it internationally”, he added. 

“World Gatka Federation aims to see this sport included in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics,” Grewal mentioned, emphasizing the ongoing international expansion of the discipline.

The event also saw participation from various local leaders and heads of regional Khap Panchayats including Chaudhary Randhir Singh of Nain Khap Panchayat and Manoj Dujan of Dhull Khap Panchayat, along with representatives of various political and social organizations. They appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by the Haryana Gurdwara Committee. Officials and members of the Haryana Gurdwara Committee honoured the Gatka teams with cash prizes and mementos.

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.