Chandigarh, April 22, 2026 : The Gatka Association of Punjab, in collaboration with Gatka Association District Faridkot, will host 12th State Gatka Championship 2026 for girls at Baba Farid Gurukul College, Kotkapura, district Faridkot, from May 1 to 3.

Disclosing this here on Wednesday Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, said this three-day championship is set to bring together the young exponents of this ancient Sikh martial art from across the state, in what promises to be a spirited contest of skill, discipline and tradition.

He informed that teams from all districts would report to the venue on May 1, with competition getting underway on the morning of May 2 at 9 a.m. Gatka promoter Grewal added that the competition would conclude with a formal closing ceremony on May 3 and the prominent dignitaries would grace the occasion.

Adding further vice president of Gatka Association of Punjab, Sarbjit Singh said the event would feature girls’ teams competing across five age categories in under-14, under-17, under-19, under-22 and under-25, giving young athletes at every stage of their development a platform to test their mettle.

Dr. Manjit Singh Dillon, President of Gatka Association District Faridkot and Narinderpal Singh Paras, Convener of the championship, have urged all participating teams to submit their entries by 4 p.m. on April 26 without fail so that proper arrangements for accommodation and food could be made in advance.

Coaches Harsimran Singh and Sherry Singh added that medals and certificates would be conferred upon all winning teams as well as players who distinguish themselves with exceptional performances on the mat. They confirmed that district presidents and secretaries of all district Gatka Associations across Punjab have already set their preparations in motion.

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.

HSGMC also organizes Turban langar and medical camp for sangat

Dhamtan Sahib (Khanouri), March 4, 2026: On the sacred occasion of Hola-Mohalla, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara  Parbandhak Committee (HSGMC) organized Sikh martial arts competitions at the historic Gurdwara Dhamtan Sahib. The event commenced with an Ardas (Prayer) performed by Giani Joginder Singh, the Granthi of Gurdwara Sahib.

The event was attended by the distinguished dignitaries including Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa, Member HSGMC from Tohana constituency, Advocate Sardar Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of World Gatka Federation and Chairman of International Sikh Martial Art Academy (ISMAA), Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, General Secretary, Haryanvi Gatka Association, Dildeep Singh, Vice President, International Sikh Martial Art Council, Harsimran Singh, Coordinator, National Gatka Association of India, Sherry Singh, Coordinator, Gatka Association of Punjab and Pradeep Singh, National Gatka Coach, National Gatka Association of India.

Addressing the gathering Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa stated that the HSGMC celebrates the sacred festival of Hola-Mohalla on a grand scale at this historic Gurdwara. The celebrations include demonstrations of traditional Sikh martial art and the organization of a Kesari (saffron) turban langar to promote awareness about Sikh religion, its history and culture in the region. He added that the primary objective of this initiative is to promote physical fitness, self-defence, discipline and team spirit among the youth while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Sikhs. In addition, a free medical facility and health check-up camp were organized to serve the large number of devotees paying obeisance.

Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal thanked the large crowd of devotees that gathered to witness the thrilling and awe-inspiring feats performed by Gatka players. Gatka promoter Grewal highlighted that over the past two decades this historic sport has achieved remarkable milestones in all the national level games and has been officially included among the country’s recognized sports. “Efforts are also underway to expand it internationally”, he added. 

“World Gatka Federation aims to see this sport included in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics,” Grewal mentioned, emphasizing the ongoing international expansion of the discipline.

The event also saw participation from various local leaders and heads of regional Khap Panchayats including Chaudhary Randhir Singh of Nain Khap Panchayat and Manoj Dujan of Dhull Khap Panchayat, along with representatives of various political and social organizations. They appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by the Haryana Gurdwara Committee. Officials and members of the Haryana Gurdwara Committee honoured the Gatka teams with cash prizes and mementos.

MoU inked to integrate Gatka into mainstream sporting framework

Strategic alliance aims to cultivate next generation of Gatka champions : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 18, 2025 – In a landmark stride towards institutionalizing India’s rich martial heritage of Gatka, NIILM University Kaithal and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) have formally entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaborative endeavour is dedicated to the systematic promotion, development and popularization of Gatka as a premier competitive sport in India.
The momentous agreement was executed by Sandeep Chahal, Chairman of NIILM University and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice President of the NGAI, who represented NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Davinder Dhull, University Director (Sports) and Narender Pal Singh, Joint Secretary of the Haryanvi Gatka Association underscoring robust regional endorsement for this visionary initiative.
After signing ceremony Chairman Amit Chahal stated that this alliance is poised to unlock unprecedented avenues for students, athletes and academic scholars. It signifies a concerted effort to transcend Gatka’s traditional role as a cultural exhibition and propelling it into the realm of organized competitions and academic discourse. “Through this pioneering collaboration, NIILM University solidifies its position among the select few higher education institutions to formally align with the prescribed rules of World Gatka Federation, thereby amplifying Haryana’s indelible mark on the promotion of indigenous sports,” he added.
Elaborating on the partnership, Gatka visionary Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal revealed that the MoU signifies a strategic fusion aimed at embedding Gatka training, competitions and academic inquiry within the university ecosystem. “As per the accord, NIILM University will furnish state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and institutional backing for national level Gatka initiatives while the NGAI will contribute technical mastery, certified coaches and officials and will facilitate the organization of specialized training programs and national-level competitions,” he elaborated.
The NGAI president Grewal further stated that the partnership comprehensively envisions systematic talent scouting, capacity enhancement for technical officials and vigorous promotion of Gatka through both scholarly and athletic platforms.
Echoing this sentiment, general secretary of Haryanvi Gatka Association Sukhchain Singh Kalsani emphasized that the historic collaboration with NIILM University mirrors the burgeoning acknowledgment of Gatka as a dual embodiment of ancient martial tradition and modern sporting discipline. “Universities serve as vital crucibles for preserving indigenous sports while bestowing upon them contemporary significance. This MoU represents a decisive leap in that very direction,” he concluded.

Gatka officiating gets a reset as three days national refresher course wraps up

Updated edition of WGF rulebook to be published soon : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 15, 2025 – The National Gatka Refresher Course concluded on a high note with the successful conduct of a written examination by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), marking a decisive step towards professionalising officiating standards in the traditional martial sport. The test formed the basis for grading and certification of Gatka officials, a process that will now determine their eligibility to officiate national level competitions.
Addressing the gathering at the valedictory session, NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said the certification exercise was aimed at ensuring uniform interpretation of rules, strengthening technical competence and reinforcing discipline and fairness during tournaments. “Only certified referees and judges, assessed through structured theory and practical evaluation, will henceforth be entrusted with officiating responsibilities at national championships and major events” he added.
Gatka promoter Grewal said the refresher course and examination were part of a long-term roadmap to elevate Gatka officiating to international benchmarks. He announced that the next National Gatka Refresher Course will be organised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh in January in association with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh. Grewal further revealed that similar Gatka programmes would be rolled out in other parts of the country to widen the pool of trained and certified officials.
In another key announcement, Grewal informed that the amended fifth edition of the World Gatka Federation International Rules Book would be published shortly. The updated edition, he said, reflects recent reforms and practical insights gained from national and international competitions and will serve as the authoritative reference for players, officials and organisers.
Participants from different states lauded the initiative, describing the course as a rare and valuable learning experience. Aman Singh of Chhattisgarh, Pandurang Ambhure from Maharashtra, Gurwinder Singh Ghanouli of Punjab and Harnam Singh from Haryana said the blend of detailed theoretical inputs and hands-on practical sessions had significantly enhanced their understanding of officiating protocols, competition management and decision making on the field.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council said the NGAI has signalled a clear shift towards structured governance, accountability and professionalism in Gatka, setting the stage for more disciplined and globally aligned competitions in the years ahead.
Harjinder Kumar, NGAI General Secretary and Baljit Singh, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab collectively underlined the need for continuous capacity building to keep pace with Gatka’s growing national and international footprint.

Regular capacity-building is vital for fair play, says Kalsani

International affairs directorate plans for worldwide Gatka growth : Phool Raj Singh

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025 : The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh bringing together officials from several states for a three-day upgrade in technical training sessions. The programme features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations aimed at standardising officiating practices across the country.

Throughout the day experts led modules on competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also undertook practical exercises designed to strengthen their on-ground decision making.

Speaking at the inaugural session World Gatka Federation (WGF) president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a significant move in maintaining the discipline protocol of the sport. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also serving as president of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), informed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category card in the international Gatka rules book. “This measure reinforces the dignity of technical officials, smooth conduct of bouts and ensuring to maintain discipline in players during competitions. This punitive card will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unholy behaviour,” he stated.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, emphasised that ongoing capacity-building is essential to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Speaking on the occasion President, Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrela, Municipal Councillor Chandigarh said structured refresher courses not only sharpen the proficiency of officials but also help preserve uniformity in the rapidly developing sport.

Offering a global perspective, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, shared the WGF’s plans to accelerate international expansion. He disclosed that national Gatka federations would soon be constituted in multiple countries accompanied by enhanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that the coming years would see more international level tournaments aimed at strengthening Gatka’s presence on the world sports stage.

The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments designed to prepare certified officials for national and international roles.

Also present on the occasion were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of the National Gatka Association, Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh joint secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar.

National Gatka Refresher Course for certification, grading of technical officials

Gatka Association to elevate Gatka game standards in competitions

Chandigarh, December 10, 2025 : In a strategic move to fortify the technical framework of Gatka game, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), an apex body for Gatka sport in India and affiliated with World Gatka Federation (WGF), is going to organize its 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course. The intensive three days program is scheduled from December 12 to December 14, 2025, in Sector 53, Chandigarh.

This flagship initiative is conceptualised to elevate officiating and coaching standards nationwide, ensure uniform implementation of game rules and cultivate a robust pipeline of certified referees, judges and technical officials.

Announcing the course, NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee, emphasized its critical role in the sport’s development. “This refresher course is a cornerstone of our mission to professionalize officiating in Gatka game. We are committed to creating a national standard of excellence that our officials can carry onto the global stage,” stated Grewal.

He further added that the meticulously structured three-day curriculum for 20 hours will feature comprehensive daily theory and practical sessions, designed to hone both the knowledge and on-ground decision-making skills of the participants. Grewal informed that a rigorous written examination will be conducted for official grading and certification, with successful candidates receiving their credentials at the concluding ceremony. Technical officials, who demonstrate exceptional proficiency and achieve higher grades, will be awarded smart identity cards. “This certification is more than a credential; it is a license to officiate at forthcoming national and international Gatka championships and a significant asset for those pursuing careers in coaching and sports training,” he added.

Gatka promoter Grewal outlined the core objectives of the course, highlighting its vital function in skill enhancement, ensuring rule uniformity and standardizing officiating and coaching practices across India. He also underscored the importance of professionalism, mandating that all participants attend theory sessions in proper official uniform. He outlined the mandatory criteria for participation, stating that all technical officials, both men and women, must be a minimum of 25 years and not more than 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026.

Harjeet Grewal said the schedule has been framed to act as a pivotal moment for the traditional sport. “This refresher course is not merely a training program; it is an investment in the future of Gatka game. We are building a disciplined, highly qualified, experienced and technically astute officiating corps to steward the sport through its rapid ascent on both the national and international landscape.”

Mentionably, the NGAI is the governing body for the sport of Gatka in India, dedicated to preserving, promoting, standardising, structuring and elevating the traditional martial art to a competitive sport. Affiliated with the World Gatka Federation, the NGAI is responsible for organizing national championships, training courses, deployment of technical officials and fostering the growth of Gatka across the country.