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.

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.