Gatkabaz poised for spectacular three-day Gatka showdown in Bengaluru from November 7

National Gatka Association to host prestigious 2nd Federation Cup amidst grandeur of 2nd National Pythian Games

Gatka gold medalists to secure coveted berths for International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow

Chandigarh, October 25, 2025 : Bengaluru is poised to transform into the vibrant epicenter of India’s ancient martial arts and rich cultural traditions, as the nation’s most exceptional sports talents and cultural virtuosos converge for a monumental national gathering from November 7 to 9, 2025. The prestigious event, 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, promises to shape the future trajectory of the sport across the country.
During this exhilarating sporting extravaganza at the GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the oldest national Gatka governing body affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, would host its 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. This event would be held concurrently with 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, in a strategic partnership with the Pythian Council of India (PCI). This dual event is meticulously designed to propel the ancient game of Gatka onto a prominent global platform, he added.
The PCI chairman Bijender Goel and president Shantanu Agrahari commended the extensive collaboration with all traditional sports and cultural organizations, hailing the Pythian Games as a landmark initiative that empowers indigenous sports and forges structured pathways for aspiring young athletes to ascend on the international stage. The PCI would provide logistical support, accommodation, meals and official tournament kits, thereby ensuring impeccable professional standards are maintained throughout the prestigious competition.
Disclosing this, the NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal, a State Awardee, announced that during this dual championship, the NGAI would select a national Gatka squad. These Gatkabaz would represent the nation at India’s debut in 1st International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow next year. He elaborated that participants would not only fiercely vie for medals but would also be honored with dual certification.
Gatka promoter Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, confirmed that the competitions would showcase formidable under-19 Gatka events from over ten states, who would demonstrate their prowess across in Gatka-Soti and Farrie-Soti disciplines in both individual and team formats. He further added that all gold medalists would be granted direct selection into the Indian contingent for the first International Pythian Cultural Games, describing it as a transformative milestone in Gatka’s illustrious global journey.
“This championship marks a defining chapter in Gatka’s progress, from a revered traditional martial art to a recognized international sport,” stated Sukhchain Singh, acting president of NGAI, emphasizing that it is not merely a competition but a resounding statement of India’s profound cultural confidence and exceptional athletic excellence.
He added that since its founding in 2004, the NGAI has tirelessly championed the preservation, regulation and modernization of this ancient martial discipline. Through dynamic international collaborations and visionary initiatives like the Pythian Games partnership, the NGAI seeks to irrevocably embed Gatka within the global sporting landscape while meticulously safeguarding its profound spiritual and cultural ethos.
Concluding, Harjeet Singh Grewal declared, “This integrated championship is a watershed moment for Gatka. We are not merely organizing a tournament; we are launching India’s distinguished Gatka ambassadors onto the world stage, where revered tradition magnificently meets triumphant glory.” He added that the thrilling display of impeccable Gatka skills, unwavering discipline, and masterful martial artistry will powerfully symbolize India’s dynamic living cultural legacy on the world stage.

13th national Gatka championship : Punjab Gatkabaz emerge national champions, Chhattisgarh players win hearts as runners-up

Education Minister Gajendra Yadav says Gatka game to be promoted in schools, colleges across Chhattisgarh

Bhilai, October 12, 2025 : The 13th National Gatka Championship 2025, organized by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), concluded today in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, with a spectacular display of traditional martial artistry and sporting excellence. After three days of intense competition, Punjab Gatkabaz were crowned overall champions, while the Chhattisgarh contingent captured hearts with their spirited performance, clinching the runners-up title through sheer determination, precision, and perseverance.
In the boys’ category, Punjab secured the first position with exceptional skill and technique, followed by Chhattisgarh in second place, while Haryana and Uttarakhand shared the third position.
In the girls’ category, Chhattisgarh’s players delivered an outstanding performance to claim the first position, Chandigarh stood second and Punjab and Haryana jointly took the third spot.
Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Education and Rural Industries, Gajendra Yadav, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and presented medals and certificates to the winners.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister remarked that the Gatka is not merely a sport but a glorious part of India’s martial heritage that instills discipline, courage and self-control.” He assured that the Government of Chhattisgarh would actively promote Gatka across schools, colleges and universities, encouraging youth participation in this traditional martial art that embodies valor and spiritual strength.
Commending the successful organization of the event, Yadav congratulated the National Gatka Association of India and the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, for hosting a championship that beautifully represented India’s cultural identity and inspired national unity through sport.
Vaishali Nagar MLA, Rikesh Sen, appreciated the dedication and sportsmanship of the players, noting that the discipline, respect and teamwork displayed by Gatka athletes set an inspiring example for every young sportsperson in India. He further urged the youth of Chhattisgarh to actively participate in Gatka and bring pride to the state through this martial art.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Manish Pandey, Executive Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Purushottam Dewangan, BJP District President, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, Executive Member of the Asian Gatka Federation and President of the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, Jaswant Singh, General Secretary and Jasbir Singh Chahal, President of the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat.
NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal commended the exemplary performances and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding Gatka’s reach across all Indian states, ensuring its continued growth and recognition at the national and international levels.
During the closing ceremony, outstanding performers were felicitated for their achievements. The Junior Gatka Star award was bagged by Satwant Singh Khalsa of Chandigarh, while Suneha, also from Chandigarh, received the Best Performer award. The Most Promising Player title went to Ramandeep Singh of Punjab. Dimple Kumari from Chhattisgarh was adjudged the Best Gatka-Soti Player and Jaskirat Singh from Haryana earned the Best Farrie-Soti Player honour. Jagjot Singh from Uttarakhand was declared the Best Gatkabaz, while Ishpreet Kaur of Punjab was named the Best Gatkabaz (Female)
The championship concluded amidst applause and celebration, marking another milestone in the journey of reviving and popularizing Gatka, India’s ancient martial art rooted in Sikh heritage.

13th national Gatka championship : Punjab Gatkabaz emerge national champions, Chhattisgarh players win hearts as runners-up

Gajendra Yadav says Gatka game to be promoted in schools, colleges across Chhattisgarh

Bhilai, October 12, 2025 : The 13th National Gatka Championship 2025, organized by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), concluded today in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, with a spectacular display of traditional martial artistry and sporting excellence. After three days of intense competition, Punjab Gatkabaz were crowned overall champions, while the Chhattisgarh contingent captured hearts with their spirited performance, clinching the runners-up title through sheer determination, precision, and perseverance.

In the boys’ category, Punjab secured the first position with exceptional skill and technique, followed by Chhattisgarh in second place, while Haryana and Uttarakhand shared the third position.

In the girls’ category, Chhattisgarh’s players delivered an outstanding performance to claim the first position, Chandigarh stood second and Punjab and Haryana jointly took the third spot.

Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Education and Rural Industries, Gajendra Yadav, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and presented medals and certificates to the winners.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister remarked that the Gatka is not merely a sport but a glorious part of India’s martial heritage that instills discipline, courage and self-control.” He assured that the Government of Chhattisgarh would actively promote Gatka across schools, colleges and universities, encouraging youth participation in this traditional martial art that embodies valor and spiritual strength.

Commending the successful organization of the event, Yadav congratulated the National Gatka Association of India and the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, for hosting a championship that beautifully represented India’s cultural identity and inspired national unity through sport.

Vaishali Nagar MLA, Rikesh Sen, appreciated the dedication and sportsmanship of the players, noting that the discipline, respect and teamwork displayed by Gatka athletes set an inspiring example for every young sportsperson in India. He further urged the youth of Chhattisgarh to actively participate in Gatka and bring pride to the state through this martial art.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Manish Pandey, Executive Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Purushottam Dewangan, BJP District President, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, Executive Member of the Asian Gatka Federation and President of the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, Jaswant Singh, General Secretary and Jasbir Singh Chahal, President of the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat.

NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal commended the exemplary performances and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding Gatka’s reach across all Indian states, ensuring its continued growth and recognition at the national and international levels.

During the closing ceremony, outstanding performers were felicitated for their achievements. The Junior Gatka Star award was bagged by Satwant Singh Khalsa of Chandigarh, while Suneha, also from Chandigarh, received the Best Performer award. The Most Promising Player title went to Ramandeep Singh of Punjab. Dimple Kumari from Chhattisgarh was adjudged the Best Gatka-Soti Player and Jaskirat Singh from Haryana earned the Best Farrie-Soti Player honour. Jagjot Singh from Uttarakhand was declared the Best Gatkabaz, while Ishpreet Kaur of Punjab was named the Best Gatkabaz (Female) 

The championship concluded amidst applause and celebration, marking another milestone in the journey of reviving and popularizing Gatka, India’s ancient martial art rooted in Sikh heritage.

Gatka reflects India’s glorious martial heritage rooted in Sikh history: MP Vijay Baghel

13th national Gatka championship kicks off grandly in Bhilai

Bhilai, October 10, 2025 – Three days 13th National Gatka Championship, organised by National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), kicks off here on Friday with grandeur and cultural zeal at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai. The three-day event, hosted in collaboration with New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, marks a proud celebration of India’s martial legacy and Sikh spiritual tradition through the ancient martial art of Gatka, symbolizing valour, discipline and cultural pride.

This national competition was inaugurated by chief guest Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament, Durg constituency, while guest of honour Prem Prakash Pandey, a distinguished social leader, presided over the event. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), Jasbir Singh Chahal, Chairman Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, President New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, Jaswant Singh Khalsa Secretary and Malkeet Singh Lallu, among several prominent dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Vijay Baghel commended the organizers and highlighted Gatka’s cultural significance, stating: “Gatka is not just a martial art, it is a historic tradition reflecting India’s glorious past and the indomitable spirit of Sikh history. Promoting such indigenous heritage preserves our cultural soul and instills in our youth the virtues of courage, discipline, and devotion taught by our revered Gurus.”

On the occasion guest of honour Prem Prakash Pandey remarked: “It is a moment of pride for Chhattisgarh to host a national tournament of Gatka game. This martial art not only promotes fitness and discipline but also strengthens inter-community harmony through its message of unity and cultural preservation.”

Expressing gratitude, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and World Gatka Federation said: “The National Gatka Association and World Gatka Federation are committed to preserving and promoting Gatka as both a traditional art and a modern sport. Through such championships, we aim to preparing the players for the global sporting arena. Our vision is to see Gatka represented in international multisport events including the Olympics in coming times.”

Providing more details, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu and Jaswant Singh Khalsa informed that more than 400 boys and girls from twelve states across India are participating in this championship, which would conclude on Sunday October 12 with the presentation of medals and certificates to winners of various individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti.

Inderjit Singh Chotu announced that the gold medal winners of Chhattisgarh state would get cash prizes as sports facilities and be honoured specially for bringing laurels for the state.

The championship received wholehearted support from various community organizations including the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Youth Sewa Committees and several Gurudwaras include Gurudwara Beche Janaki Ji, Zone-2 Khursipar, Gurudwara Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Camp-2 Bhilai, Gurudwara Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Housing Board Bhilai, Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Camp Bhilai, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guru Nanak Nagar, Gurudwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji Kohka, Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Supela, Gurudwara Mata Gujri Ji HUDCO, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sector-6, Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Sikh Youth Seva Samiti, Guru Nanak School sector 6, Punjabi Bhaichara, Sikh Youth Forum, Guru Nanak Senior Secondary School and Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association.

Three days 13th National Gatka Championship at Chhattisgarh from October 10

Chandigarh, October 2, 2025: The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, is organising its 13th National Gatka (Men and Women) Championship from October 10 to 12, 2025 at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai, district Durg in Chhattisgarh. This national-level martial arts tournament is being organised in association with New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh and would feature participation of Gatka teams from various states competing in a series of thrilling individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie-Soti over three days.

                Starting more about the event, Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee and president of the NGAI, said the championship is being organized with the objective of preserving, promoting and professionalizing the traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka, while providing a national platform for emerging athletes to showcase their talent.

                He said “This championship is part of our long-term ‘Vision Document–2030’ to elevate Gatka from a traditional martial art to an internationally recognized sport. Our aim is to make it Olympic-ready by enhancing technical standards, ensuring gender equality through mixed combat events and adopting IT-based tournament management systems.”

                Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, acting president and Harjinder Kumar, general secretary of the NGAI, added, “We are committed to providing our youth with safe, competitive platforms to celebrate our heritage. This championship is a testament to the growing popularity of Gatka and our association’s efforts to promote it at national and global levels.”

                Gatka promoter Grewal informed that opening ceremony would be held on October 10 while the concluding ceremony on October 12 would honour top-performing athletes with medals, trophies, and certificates. The NGAI warmly invites sports enthusiasts, cultural patrons and the general public to witness the electrifying bouts and support India’s Gatka warriors in this historic event.