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.