Bengaluru, November 7, 2025 – The 2nd Federation Gatka Cup 2025 officially began on Thursday at Bengaluru City University, with Bijender Goel, founder of Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India (PCI), inaugurating the event. The opening ceremony drew Gatka officials, athletes, and dignitaries from across India, including Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), and B.H. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Pythian Games Organising Committee.
Earlier in the day, the 2nd National Pythian Cultural Games were inaugurated with traditional art performances, cultural showcases, and a march past by athletes representing multiple states—symbolizing India’s unity in diversity and the country’s rich martial heritage.
Bijender Goel announced that next year’s 3rd National Pythian Games will be a larger celebration of Indian culture and sport, and revealed that the first International Pythian Cultural Competition is slated to be held in Russia in 2026.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, who also serves as PCI vice-president, said, “The Federation Gatka Cup reflects the enduring legacy of India’s Gatkabaz and their extraordinary skill. Seeing Gatka showcased alongside other cultural expressions at the Pythian Games is truly a proud moment.”
The championship’s opening day saw high-voltage performances by young athletes. Haryana’s girls dominated the Gatka Soti team event, clinching gold, followed by Punjab in second, and Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh sharing third place. Haryana continued its winning streak in the Farrie Soti team event, securing the top spot again, with Chandigarh second, and Punjab and Chhattisgarh jointly taking third.
Among those present were Sukhchain Singh, vice-president of the International Sikh Martial Art Council; Aarthi Diwan, President of the Gatka Association of Karnataka; M Surendra Reddy, general secretary of Gatka Association Andhra Pradesh; and Gatka officials from across India, including Jaspreet Singh (Ropar), Jashanpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh of Chhattisgarh. Coaches and dignitaries from various states also attended, lending support to the athletes and the event.
