Bhilai, October 12, 2025: Punjab’s Gatka players emerged as the overall champions at the 13th National Gatka Championship 2025, which concluded in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday after three days of spirited competition and traditional martial displays. The Chhattisgarh contingent, hosting the national event for the first time, finished as runners-up, earning wide praise for their performance and sportsmanship.
The championship, organized by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), witnessed participation from several states, celebrating Gatka’s growing popularity as both a sport and a symbol of India’s martial heritage.
In the boys’ category, Punjab claimed the top position with exceptional performances, followed by Chhattisgarh in second place, while Haryana and Uttarakhand shared third place. In the girls’ category, Chhattisgarh’s team put up an impressive show to clinch the first position, with Chandigarh finishing second and Punjab and Haryana sharing third place.
Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Education and Rural Industries, Gajendra Yadav, presided over the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and felicitated the winners with medals and certificates. In his address, Yadav described Gatka as “a glorious part of India’s martial heritage that instills discipline, courage, and self-control.” He announced that the state government would promote Gatka across schools, colleges, and universities to encourage wider youth participation.
“Gatka represents not just physical skill but the values of valor and spiritual strength that define our culture. We want our young generation to carry this tradition forward with pride,” Yadav said.
He also lauded the National Gatka Association of India and the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, for organizing an event that highlighted India’s unity through traditional sports.
Vaishali Nagar MLA Rikesh Sen commended the athletes for their discipline and sportsmanship, saying that the teamwork and respect displayed by the players served as a model for youth across India. “Gatka is more than a competition—it’s a lesson in resilience and humility,” he said.
Among the dignitaries present were Manish Pandey, Executive Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha; Purushottam Dewangan, BJP District President; Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI; Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, Executive Member of the Asian Gatka Federation and President of the New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh; Jaswant Singh, General Secretary; and Jasbir Singh Chahal, President of the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat.
NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal praised the players for their skill and commitment, reaffirming the association’s goal of promoting Gatka nationwide and securing its recognition at international sporting platforms.
Several individual performers were also honoured during the ceremony. Satwant Singh Khalsa from Chandigarh received the Junior Gatka Star award, while Suneha, also from Chandigarh, was named Best Performer. The Most Promising Player title went to Ramandeep Singh of Punjab. Dimple Kumari from Chhattisgarh was adjudged Best Gatka-Soti Player, and Jaskirat Singh from Haryana was named Best Farrie-Soti Player. Jagjot Singh from Uttarakhand and Ishkpreet Kaur from Punjab won the Best Gatkabaz (Male) and Best Gatkabaz (Female) awards respectively.
The championship concluded with loud cheers and celebrations, marking another successful milestone in reviving and promoting Gatka — a centuries-old martial art rooted in Sikh tradition that continues to inspire strength, discipline, and unity among India’s youth.
