Bhilai/Chandigarh, 10 Oct 2025 – The 13th National Gatka Championship began on Friday at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, with grandeur and cultural fervour.
Organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) in collaboration with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, the three-day event celebrates India’s martial legacy and Sikh spiritual traditions through the ancient art of Gatka, which symbolizes courage, discipline, and cultural pride.
The championship was inaugurated by Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament from Durg, with social leader Prem Prakash Pandey as the guest of honour. The ceremony was also attended by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and World Gatka Federation; Jasbir Singh Chahal, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat; Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, President of New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh; Jaswant Singh Khalsa, Secretary; and Malkeet Singh Lallu, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the audience, Baghel said, “Gatka is not just a martial art; it is a historic tradition reflecting India’s glorious past and the indomitable spirit of Sikh history. Promoting such indigenous heritage preserves our cultural soul and instills in our youth the virtues of courage, discipline, and devotion taught by our revered Gurus.”
Guest of honour Prem Prakash Pandey added, “It is a moment of pride for Chhattisgarh to host a national tournament of Gatka. This martial art not only promotes fitness and discipline but also fosters inter-community harmony through its message of unity and cultural preservation.”
Harjeet Singh Grewal expressed gratitude and outlined the vision for Gatka’s future. “The National Gatka Association and World Gatka Federation are committed to preserving and promoting Gatka as both a traditional art and a modern sport. Through such championships, we aim to prepare players for the global sporting arena, with the goal of seeing Gatka represented in international multisport events, including the Olympics.”
Organisers Inderjeet Singh Chhotu and Jaswant Singh Khalsa shared that more than 400 boys and girls from twelve states across India are participating in the championship. The competition, featuring individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti, will conclude on Sunday, October 12, with medals and certificates awarded to winners. Chhotu also announced special recognition and cash prizes for Chhattisgarh gold medal winners for bringing laurels to the state.
The championship received strong support from local community organisations and Gurudwaras, including Gurudwara Beche Janaki Ji, Zone-2 Khursipar; Gurudwara Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Camp-2 Bhilai; Gurudwara Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Housing Board Bhilai; Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Camp Bhilai; Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Nagar; Gurudwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji, Kodka; Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh Ji, Supela; Gurudwara Mata Gujri Ji, HUDCO; Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sector-6; Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat; Sikh Youth Seva Samiti; Guru Nanak School Sector-6; Punjabi Bhaichara; Sikh Youth Forum; Guru Nanak Senior Secondary School; and Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association.
