New Delhi/Chandigarh, June 11, 2025 — The 12th National Gatka Championship is set to kick off tomorrow at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, with more than 500 male and female athletes from 16 states slated to compete in the three-day national tournament. Organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the event will run from June 12 to 14, spotlighting individual and team competitions in both Gatka Soti and Farri-Soti categories.
“This championship marks a crucial step in preserving and professionalising the Sikh martial art of Gatka,” said Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee and NGAI President. “We are providing young athletes a national platform to display their talent while working to raise Gatka’s profile at the global level.”
Grewal further shared that the event is aligned with NGAI’s long-term ‘Vision Document–2030,’ which aspires to transition Gatka from a traditional art form to a modern, internationally recognised sport. “We are working to make Gatka Olympic-ready by improving its technical framework, ensuring gender inclusivity through mixed combat events, and implementing IT-based tournament management,” he added.
NGAI Acting President Sukhchain Singh Kalsani underscored the significance of the tournament in boosting cultural identity and youth engagement. “This championship reflects the rising popularity of Gatka and our commitment to making it a symbol of our rich heritage. It offers a safe and competitive space for our youth to grow,” he said.
According to NGAI General Secretary Harjinder Kumar and Finance Secretary Baljit Singh Saini, the opening ceremony is scheduled for June 12, while the closing event on June 14 will see high-performing athletes awarded with medals, trophies, and certificates.
The NGAI has extended an open invitation to sports lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public to attend the event and witness the energy and skill of India’s Gatka warriors.
