Gatka officials converge in national refresher course ; WGF introduces black card for players’ unruly conduct

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.

Setting Standards; NGAI launches nationwide drive to fortify Gatka officiating, coaching corps

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.

Gatka makes grand debut in Punjab State Inter University Youth Festival

Four-day cultural showcase to unfold in Amritsar on November 30

Chandigarh, November 27, 2025 : The Punjab State Inter University Youth Festival will be organised at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar from November 30 bringing four days of cultural colour, spirited competition and student talent from across the state.

For the first time, the festival will witness Sikh martial art competitions, introduced through the efforts of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). Gatka squads from various universities will showcase their martial art skills and discipline, adding a striking new dimension to the annual celebration.

The festival is organised by the Directorate of Youth Services, Punjab, with the aim of preserving the state’s artistic and cultural heritage while strengthening camaraderie among students. 

More than 4,000 students from public and private universities will participate in various literary contests, cultural, theatre, music, dance and fine arts.

The NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee, expressed that Punjab carries an enormous cultural, artistic and literary wealth that must be safeguarded, preserved and promoted and events like this certainly help young people to connect with their roots and traditions.

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.