13th National Gatka Championship Begins in Bhilai, Celebrating Sikh Martial Heritage

Bhilai / Chandigarh, October 10, 2025 – The three-day 13th National Gatka Championship, organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), commenced with grandeur and cultural splendour at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, on Friday. Hosted in collaboration with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, the event stands as a tribute to India’s martial traditions and the Sikh community’s spiritual legacy, embodied in Gatka — a symbol of valour, discipline and cultural pride.

The championship was inaugurated by Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament, Durg constituency, with Prem Prakash Pandey, eminent social leader, presiding as Guest of Honour. The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, NGAI; Jasbir Singh Chahal, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat; Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, President, New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh; Jaswant Singh Khalsa, Secretary, and Malkeet Singh Lallu, among others.

Addressing the gathering, MP Vijay Baghel lauded the organisers and underlined the cultural relevance of Gatka, stating, “Gatka is not just a martial art but a historic tradition reflecting India’s glorious past and the indomitable spirit of Sikh history. Promoting such indigenous heritage preserves our cultural soul while instilling 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 proud moment for Chhattisgarh to host a national Gatka tournament. This martial art promotes physical fitness and discipline while fostering inter-community harmony through its message of unity and cultural preservation.”

Expressing gratitude, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and World Gatka Federation, said, “We are committed to preserving and promoting Gatka as both a traditional art and a modern competitive sport. Through such championships, our aim is to prepare athletes for the global sporting arena. Our vision is to see Gatka represented in international multisport platforms, including the Olympics, in the coming years.”

Providing event details, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu and Jaswant Singh Khalsa informed that over 400 boys and girls from twelve states are participating in this championship, which will conclude on Sunday, October 12, with medal ceremonies and certificates awarded to winners in various individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti categories.

Inderjeet Singh Chhotu further announced that gold medal winners from Chhattisgarh will receive cash awards and special honours, recognising their contribution and bringing laurels to the state.

The championship has drawn strong support from community bodies including Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, various Youth Sewa Committees, and several Gurudwaras, namely:

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), along with Sikh Youth Seva Samiti, Guru Nanak School (Sector-6), Punjabi Bhaichara, Sikh Youth Forum, Guru Nanak Senior Secondary School and Punjabi Cultural & Welfare Association.