RUPNAGAR, April 18 — The 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship opened with a display of traditional Khalsa martial skills on Saturday at Guru Nanak Model School, Laudhipur. Organized by the District Gatka Association Rupnagar under the guidance of the Gatka Association of Punjab, the two-day event features representative teams from 15 districts across the state.
The tournament was inaugurated by Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji Tibbi Sahib, who started the matches in the presence of several religious and sports leaders. 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 affirmed his full support for the wider expansion of Gatka to keep the youth connected with their heritage.
During the opening ceremony, Jathedar Parmjeet Singh Lakhowal, a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), noted that Rupnagar district continues to hold a leading position in Gatka activities. He stated that in the previous year’s National Gatka Championship, players from the district led the Punjab team and secured several medals. National President Harjeet Singh Grewal also addressed the participants, asking them to play and progress with dedication and discipline.
The event, which saw attendance from former Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and local panchayat leaders, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday. District President Bibi Manjit Kaur stated that the finals of the tournament would be held on April 19, and the winners would be specially honored for their performances.
