Gurdaspur finishes runner-up, Fatehgarh Sahib secures third position

Rupnagar, March 19, 2026: Rupnagar district emerged as the overall champion at the 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship – 2026 delivering an impressive performance across multiple age categories. During the annual tournament concluded on Sunday at nearby village Laudimajra, where Gurdaspur claimed the second position while Fatehgarh Sahib finished third.

Outstanding Gatka players from different categories were honoured for their excellence during the championship. In the sub-junior category, Baljot Singh of Rupnagar was adjudged the Best Gatkabaaz. Dilraj Singh of Amritsar secured the Best Player award in the junior category while Amanpreet Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib earned top honours in the senior category.

Addressing the closing ceremony as the chief guest, Rupnagar MLA Dinesh Chadha lauded the efforts of the Gatka Association District Rupnagar for successfully organising the championship and promoting the traditional martial art. He noted that Rupnagar, being historically associated with the Khalsa legacy, holds a special responsibility in preserving and promoting martial art Gatka. He also assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned state authorities to ensure improved facilities for Gatka players and to further strengthen the sport.

On the occasion, President of the National Gatka Association of India, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, extended his gratitude to the participating teams, referees and coaches. He stated that through collective efforts, Gatka game continues to progress steadily. Gatka promoter Grewal further highlighted that the World Gatka Federation is committed to achieving the long-term goal of securing Gatka’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.

The event witnessed the presence of several prominent religious and political personalities from the region. Among those present on the concluding day were Inderpal Barinder Singh Dhillon, Raju Satyal, Baljit Singh Saini, Finance Secretary of National Gatka Association, Harpreet Singh Lakhewal, Amaninder Singh Rehal, Surinder Singh Haripur, Jagdeep Singh Thali, district president Bibi Manjit Kaur, Gurpreet Singh Bhauwal, Gurvinder Singh Rupnagar, Chief Referee Narinder Singh Paras, Jaspreet Singh, Gurvinder Singh Ghanauli, along with other distinguished guests.

Sant Avtar Singh Tibbi Sahib inspires youth to stay connected with Sikhi

Rupnagar, April 18, 2026: The 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship, organized by the District Gatka Association Rupnagar under the aegis of the Gatka Association of Punjab, commenced today with great enthusiasm. The two-day championship is being held at Guru Nanak Model School, Laudhipur, with teams from 15 districts of Punjab participating, created a vibrant atmosphere of the Khalsa martial sport at its peak in the area. 

Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji Tibbi Sahib today inaugurated the event and started Gatka matches in the presence of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Jathedar Parmjeet Singh Lakhowal, President of National Gatka Association of India,  Harjeet Singh Grewal (Advocate) and Gatka Association District Rupnagar President Bibi Manjit Kaur. 

Addressing the gathering, Sant Avtar Singh encouraged the Gatka players and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Gatka Association of Punjab in promoting and developing the sport. He also assured full support for the wider promotion and expansion of Gatka.

On this occasion, SGPC member Jathedar Parmjeet Singh Lakhowal blessed the players and stated that Rupnagar district holds a leading position in Gatka activities. He highlighted that in the previous year’s National Gatka Championship, players from the district led the Punjab team and secured several medals. He also praised the continuous efforts of President Harjeet Grewal in advancing the sport.

National President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal asked the players to play and progress with dedication and discipline. He noted that Gatka is consistently achieving new milestones and expressed confidence that international-level competitions would be organized in the future.

Several political and religious dignitaries were also present on the occasion including former Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and former MLA Amarjit Singh Sandoa. Various village panchayats from the region also extended strong support to the tournament.

District Gatka Association President Bibi Manjit Kaur informed that the finals of the tournament would be held on Sunday, April 19, and the winners would be specially honored.

Among others present on the occasion were Chairman of Guru Nanak Model School Gurbachan Singh, Gurpreet Singh Bhauwal, Gurvinder Singh Ghanauli, Jaspreet Singh, Parvinder Singh Rupnagar, Hardeep Singh, along with other distinguished guests.

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.