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.