Kotkapura, May 2: The 12th State Gatka (Girls) Championship–2026 opened Saturday at the Baba Farid Gurukul Group of Colleges in Kotkapura, bringing together over 250 participants from 11 districts across Punjab. Organizers began the two-day event with traditional Ardas and Jaikaras to mark the start of the competition, which aims to preserve the legacy of the ancient Sikh martial art.
World Gatka Federation President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal joined several dignitaries, including SGPC General Secretary Jathedar Sher Singh Mand and former Parliamentary Secretary Mantar Singh Brar, to formally inaugurate the proceedings. During the opening ceremony, athletes and referees took a formal oath to maintain discipline and ensure impartial adjudication throughout the matches.
Former MLA Mantar Singh Brar spoke to the gathered crowd about the importance of the initiative, describing the focus on empowering girls through self-defense as a commendable task. He also noted the contributions of Dr. Manjit Singh Dhillon regarding his service to the community and the educational sector.
The Gatka Association of Punjab, in coordination with the District Faridkot association, is managing the event under the supervision of state and national coaches. Jathedar Sher Singh Mand announced a financial contribution of Rs 2 lakh for the championship and affirmed that the SGPC would provide uninterrupted Langar service for all attendees.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal stated that the federation continues to promote Gatka among youth to keep cultural traditions alive. He maintained that the championship provides a meaningful platform for talented players to showcase a blend of martial skill and discipline.
The competition is scheduled to conclude tomorrow morning. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan is expected to attend the closing ceremony to present awards to the winning teams at the college premises.
