World Gatka Federation: International Gatka Rules & Regulations
World Gatka Federation (WGF) has formulated a comprehensive and standardized set of international rules and regulations to regulate and govern the conduct of Gatka competitions across the globe. These rules are designed to ensure uniformity, fairness, safety and clarity in the practice, during competitions and promotion of Gatka as a martial art and a competitive sport.
WGF rule book is a detailed and explanatory statute, covering every aspect of Gatka, from equipment specifications, player conduct, scoring systems, referee responsibilities, safety standards, discipline, awards, grading standards to ceremonial rituals such as Fatehnama. All stakeholders are encouraged to read it thoroughly, understand and implement these rules and guidelines to elevate the quality of Gatka competitions and training programs.
Thumb Rule of Gatka: Attack & Defence :
Gatka, as blessed by the Guru Sahibaan, is not just a sport but a divine martial art of self-defence. The guiding principle or thumb rule of Gatka is defence followed by attack, never aggression or violence for its own sake. This core philosophy is embedded within the WGF’s competition framework, promoting both spiritual discipline and physical excellence.
Uniformity & Global Implementation :
These standardized international rules are crucial to:
- Ensure uniformity in Gatka competitions across countries, continents and regions
- Facilitate equal and fair opportunities for players regardless of nationality, race, gender, creed and religion
- Enable consistent training and officiating methods besides management of competitions
- Build international recognition for Gatka as a structured, rule-based sport
Role of National Gatka Federations :
All national Gatka federations affiliated with WGF bear the responsibility to:
- Implement and enforce WGF rules in domestic as well as international competitions and training camps
- Educate, aware and certify coaches, referees, judges and players in line with WGF standards
- Report compliance and suggest improvements through structured feedback
This adherence ensures that national tournaments align with global standards and allows seamless participation of athletes in international Gatka championships.
Path to Global Sports Recognition :
The adoption and implementation of WGF’s international rules are instrumental in positioning Gatka for recognition by continental and global sports bodies, including:
- Olympic Council of Asia
- Commonwealth Games Federation
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Standardized rules demonstrate that the ancient Gatka is not only culturally rooted but also internationally viable as a regulated competitive sport.
First Gatka Manual (1936) :
It is worth noting that the first ever methodological and instructional book on Gatka was authored in 1936 by S. Kartar Singh Akali, the then Physical Director of RSD College, Ferozepur. This pioneering work was published by the University of Lahore, Pakistan. It laid the academic and instructional foundation for the modern evolution of Gatka as both a sports discipline and an educational tool.
The World Gatka Federation urges every Gatka enthusiast, coach and official to thoroughly study the rule book, apply its teachings and uphold the true spirit of Gatka as a martial tradition of discipline, defence and dignity.
Let us move forward together to preserve, promote and professionalize this sacred martial art as a recognised game on the world stage.