Chandigarh, Oct 25: The ancient Sikh martial art of Gatka is set to make its mark on the world stage as India prepares to send its first official contingent to the International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow next year. The selection will take place during the 2nd Federation Gatka Cup, to be held in Bengaluru from November 7 to 9.
The tournament will run alongside the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games at the University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), bringing together the country’s best traditional athletes and artists.
The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) — affiliated with the World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation — will organize the event in partnership with the Pythian Council of India (PCI).
“This integrated championship is a watershed moment for Gatka,” said Harjeet Singh Grewal, NGAI president and State Awardee. “We are not merely organizing a tournament; we are launching India’s Gatka ambassadors onto the global stage, where revered tradition magnificently meets triumph.”
Grewal said the competition will feature under-19 Gatka events from more than ten states, with players competing in Gatka-Soti and Farrie-Soti categories. The gold medalists will earn direct selection for the Indian team heading to Moscow.
PCI chairman Bijender Goel and president Shantanu Agrahari described the Pythian Games as “a landmark initiative that strengthens indigenous sports and opens structured pathways for young athletes to reach international platforms.”
The PCI will handle logistics, accommodation, meals and official tournament kits to maintain high professional standards throughout the championship.
Acting NGAI president Sukhchain Singh said the event marks a “defining chapter in Gatka’s evolution from a revered martial tradition to a recognized international sport.”
Founded in 2004, NGAI has led efforts to modernize Gatka without losing its spiritual and cultural roots. Through partnerships like the Pythian Games, it seeks to position the centuries-old Sikh martial art as a symbol of India’s living heritage on the global stage.
