Punjab reigns supreme at 2nd Federation Gatka Cup, Haryana in valiant pursuit

Chandigarh, November 11, 2025 : The air crackled with fierce strikes of sticks as the Punjab Gatka team ascended to the pinnacle of martial arts prowess, seizing the overall championship title at the prestigious 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. In a spectacular display of tradition and tenacity, the contingent from Punjab left an indelible mark on the tournament, held at the Bengaluru City University campus. Their arch-rivals, the formidable Gatkabaz from Haryana, mounted a fierce challenge, ultimately securing a commendable position as the overall runners-up in a martial art competition that showcased the very best of this ancient discipline.

The two-day spectacle, a cornerstone of the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games -2025, was a theater of unwavering focus, constant gazing at opponents and striking with masterful techniques of Gatka-Soti. Punjab’s male Gatkabaz demonstrated sheer dominance to clinch the top honor in the boys’ category while the Haryana girls’ in a parallel show of skill and spirit, claimed the championship title for their division. The contest for the remaining podium spots was equally intense, with Haryana’s boys and Punjab’s girls finishing as worthy runners-up. Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, tied for third place among the boys events sharing the bronze medals. Similarly Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh achieved a joint third-place finish in the girls’ events.

The championship commenced amidst great fanfare inaugurated by Bijender Goel, Chairman of the Pythian Council of India. The event was set against a vibrant backdrop of systematic contests infusing the arena with cultural grandeur. The semifinal bouts were set into motion by B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Organising Committee, lending significant stature to the contests. Bringing the final day’s climactic clashes to a start was Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, underscoring the sport’s growing institutional support.

The occasion was graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries and senior officials including Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Jaspreet Singh Saini, Jagdish Singh, Aarthi Diwan, Sreejith Surendra, and coach Venugopal Velloli. The administrative backbone of the sport was well-managed by Gatka technical officials such as Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Amritpal Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh from Chhattisgarh, whose collective officiating highlighted the unifying spirit and administrative vigor propelling Gatka onto the national stage.

Punjab reigns supreme at 2nd Federation Gatka Cup ; Haryana in valiant pursuit

Chandigarh, November 11, 2025 : The air crackled with fierce strikes of sticks as the Punjab Gatka team ascended to the pinnacle of martial arts prowess, seizing the overall championship title at the prestigious 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. In a spectacular display of tradition and tenacity, the contingent from Punjab left an indelible mark on the tournament, held at the Bengaluru City University campus. Their arch-rivals, the formidable Gatkabaz from Haryana, mounted a fierce challenge, ultimately securing a commendable position as the overall runners-up in a martial art competition that showcased the very best of this ancient discipline.

The two-day spectacle, a cornerstone of the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games -2025, was a theater of unwavering focus, constant gazing at opponents and striking with masterful techniques of Gatka-Soti. Punjab’s male Gatkabaz demonstrated sheer dominance to clinch the top honor in the boys’ category while the Haryana girls’ in a parallel show of skill and spirit, claimed the championship title for their division. The contest for the remaining podium spots was equally intense, with Haryana’s boys and Punjab’s girls finishing as worthy runners-up. Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, tied for third place among the boys events sharing the bronze medals. Similarly Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh achieved a joint third-place finish in the girls’ events.

The championship commenced amidst great fanfare inaugurated by Bijender Goel, Chairman of the Pythian Council of India. The event was set against a vibrant backdrop of systematic contests infusing the arena with cultural grandeur. The semifinal bouts were set into motion by B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Organising Committee, lending significant stature to the contests. Bringing the final day’s climactic clashes to a start was Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, underscoring the sport’s growing institutional support.

The occasion was graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries and senior officials including Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Jaspreet Singh Saini, Jagdish Singh, Aarthi Diwan, Sreejith Surendra, and coach Venugopal Velloli. The administrative backbone of the sport was well-managed by Gatka technical officials such as Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Amritpal Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh from Chhattisgarh, whose collective officiating highlighted the unifying spirit and administrative vigor propelling Gatka onto the national stage.

Punjab lifts overall championship at 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, Haryana finishes overall runner-up

Punjab boys and Haryana girls emerge champions in their respective categories

Chandigarh, November 8, 2025 – Displaying best skills, precision and true martial spirit Punjab once again proved its dominance by clinching the overall Gatka championship at the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games–2025 here held at Bengaluru City University campus, Karnataka. Haryana secured the runner-up position making the event a gripping showcase of India’s traditional martial art Gatka which was one of the key attractions of the Pythian Games.

Over two days of intense and thrilling bouts Punjab’s boys and Haryana’s girls demonstrated unwavering focus and masterful martial technique to claim the top titles in their respective categories. The Haryana boys and Punjab girls finished runners-up while Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh shared third place among the boys and Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh jointly secured third place among the girls events.

The Gatka competition was inaugurated by Bijender Goel, founder of the Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India amidst great enthusiasm and vibrant traditional performances. Later, the semifinal bouts were inaugurated by B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Organising Committee of 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games.

The final Gatka bouts on the concluding day were inaugurated by Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) who praised the Gatkabaz for displaying exemplary sportsmanship and discipline. He remarked that the performances reflected the living legacy of martial heritage where courage and grace go hand in hand.

The ceremony was graced by Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Jaspreet Singh Saini, Aarthi Diwan, Sreejith Surendra and coach Venugopal Velloli (Bengaluru) and senior Gatka officials including Jagdish Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Amritpal Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh.

Girls’ Results : 

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ashmeet Kaur, Jaskirat Kaur, and Arjmeet Kaur clinched the gold medals while Punjab’s Damanpreet Kaur, Ramanpreet Kaur and Pavneet Kaur took silver. The Chandigarh team of Guramanpreet Kaur, Navdeep Kaur and Ravneet Kaur and Andhra Pradesh’s Badepalli Deek Shitha, Kadiyala Bala Chandana Priya and G. Deephi shared bronze medals.

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Pavneet Kaur (Punjab) won gold, Harmanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) took silver while Badepalli Deek Shitha (Andhra Pradesh) and Kashmir Kaur (Haryana) jointly claimed bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ekamjot Kaur, Arjmeet Kaur and Harsimarpreet Kaur secured gold medals. Chandigarh’s Jeenal, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jashanpreet Kaur earned silver while Punjab’s Mehakdeep Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur and Prabhleen Kaur and Chhattisgarh’s Nidhi, Vidhi and Dimple jointly bagged bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Gursimran Kaur (Punjab) clinched gold followed by Arjmeet Kaur (Haryana) with silver while M. Dhathri Moghadaramma (Andhra Pradesh) and Jashanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) shared bronze.

Boys’ Results :

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Jaskirat Singh (Haryana) emerged gold medalist, Arshdeep Singh (Punjab) claimed silver and Prabhasees Singh (Punjab) with Jagjot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze.

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Uttarakhand’s Rajwinder Singh, Jagjot Singh and Abhijot Singh stormed to gold followed by Punjab’s Narinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Prabhasees Singh with silver. Haryana’s Rajbir Singh, Simranpreet Singh and Armandeep Singh and Chhattisgarh’s Gurpreet Singh, Gurjot Singh and Samrath Singh took bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Varispreet Singh (Haryana) won gold, Jaskaran Singh (Punjab) secured silver while Hardeep Singh (Telangana) and Abhijot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Punjab’s Gursharan Singh, Amanpreet Singh and Jaskaran Singh bagged gold, Haryana’s Ajaypal Singh, Sehajpal Singh and Samarjeet Singh claimed silver while Chandigarh’s Satwant Singh, Manpreet Singh and Bahadur Singh and Haryana’s Anmoldeep Singh, Jaskirat Singh and Varispreet Singh took bronze medals jointly.

Bijender Goel inaugurates 2nd Federation Gatka Cup : Announces first International Pythian Games in Russia for 2026

Haryanvi girls clinch 8 gold medals in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti team events

Bengaluru, November 7, 2025 – The 2nd Federation Gatka Cup – 2025 was inaugurated today here at Bengaluru City University, Bengaluru, by Bijender Goel, founder of Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India (PCI). The inaugural ceremony was attended by Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), B.H. Anil Kumar, Chairman of Pythian Games Organising Committee, Sneha Venkatramani along with office bearers, Gatka officials and participating athletes from across the country.

Earlier to this the 2nd National Pythian Cultural Games were inaugurated by Bijender Goel and other leaders. The ceremony featured vibrant traditional art performances, cultural expressions and an impressive march past by athletes representing various states, reflecting a spirit of unity between India’s diverse cultural forms and its rich martial traditions.

In his address, Bijender Goel announced that the 3rd National Pythian Games next year will be an even larger celebration of India’s creative and sporting spirit. He also revealed that the first International Pythian Cultural Competition is scheduled to be held in Russia in 2026.

Speaking on the occasion Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, stated that the Federation Gatka Cup represents the strength of India’s Gatkabaz and the timeless legacy of the ancient martial art. “It is a proud moment to see Gatka gaining recognition alongside other cultural and artistic expressions at the Pythian Games,” he said.

On the opening day of this annual championship the young Gatka warriors delivered electrifying performances, setting a spirited tone for the national event. In the Girls’ Gatka Soti team event, Haryana emerged as the dominant force, clinching the first position while Punjab secured second place followed by Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh sharing the third position. Demonstrating exceptional skill and coordination the Haryana girls continued their winning streak in the Farrie Soti team event once again bagging the top spot with Chandigarh taking second place and Punjab and Chhattisgarh finished jointly in third position.

Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Sukhchain Singh, vice president of International Sikh Martial Art Council, Aarthi Diwan, President of Gatka Association of Karnataka, M Surendra Reddy, general secretary Gatka Association Andhra Pradesh, Jagdish Singh Amritsar and Gatka officials Jaspreet Singh Ropar, Jashanpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh along with coaches and dignitaries from various states.

India’s Gatka warriors to clash in Bengaluru : NGAI to host 2nd Federation Gatka Cup from November 7–9

Gatka goes global ; Bengaluru event to pick India’s team for international competition – Grewal

Chandigarh, November 6, 2025 – The apex national Gatka organisation, National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), affiliated with World Gatka Federation, is all set to host the 2nd Federation Gatka Cup–2025 at Bengaluru City University, Karnataka from November 7 to 9 bringing together India’s finest young Gatka warriors for a thrilling martial showdown.

Disclosing this here today Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice president of International Sikh Martial Art Council informed that Gatka teams from ten states will compete in under-19 age groups in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti events in both individual and team events showcasing skill, discipline and courage rooted in the Sikh martial tradition. “The event, organized under the aegis of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and Asian Gatka Federation (AGF), will also run alongside the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, celebrating India’s indigenous culture and martial heritage”, they added.

Gatka promoters Grewal and Kalsani said, “The 2nd Federation Gatka Cup will spotlight the next generation of Gatka talent. The gold medalists from Bengaluru will earn direct selection to represent India at the first International Pythian Cultural Games in 2026, marking a major step in Gatka’s global journey.”

Advocate Grewal said the affiliation of NGAI with WGF and AGF, has enabled the oldest registered Gatka body to take this game to the global stage including recognition at multi-sport events such as the National Cultural Pythian Games, Khelo India Youth Games, National Games, All India Inter-University Tournament and National School Games. 

Adding more details Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of NGAI and Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of Gatka Association of Punjab said Bengaluru will become the epicenter of India’s indigenous martial arts this November and this championship is a platform for young athletes to combine martial skill with discipline and values. They added that the NGAI, founded in 2004, is working to elevate Gatka as a recognized international sport while preserving its cultural spirit. 

Harjeet Singh Grewal, who is also the president of WGF, announced that before organising the 3rd Federation Gatka Cup, the WGF and AGF will jointly organise first International Federation Gatka Cup next year. He added that these national competitions represents the continuation of a journey that began more than two decades ago to elevate the ancient martial art as a recognised sport across the globe.