MoU inked to integrate Gatka into mainstream sporting framework

Strategic alliance aims to cultivate next generation of Gatka champions : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 18, 2025 – In a landmark stride towards institutionalizing India’s rich martial heritage of Gatka, NIILM University Kaithal and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) have formally entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaborative endeavour is dedicated to the systematic promotion, development and popularization of Gatka as a premier competitive sport in India.

The momentous agreement was executed by Sandeep Chahal, Chairman of NIILM University and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice President of the NGAI, who represented NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Davinder Dhull, University Director (Sports) and Narender Pal Singh, Joint Secretary of the Haryanvi Gatka Association underscoring robust regional endorsement for this visionary initiative.
After signing ceremony Chairman Amit Chahal stated that this alliance is poised to unlock unprecedented avenues for students, athletes and academic scholars. It signifies a concerted effort to transcend Gatka’s traditional role as a cultural exhibition and propelling it into the realm of organized competitions and academic discourse. “Through this pioneering collaboration, NIILM University solidifies its position among the select few higher education institutions to formally align with the prescribed rules of World Gatka Federation, thereby amplifying Haryana’s indelible mark on the promotion of indigenous sports,” he added.
Elaborating on the partnership, Gatka visionary Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal revealed that the MoU signifies a strategic fusion aimed at embedding Gatka training, competitions and academic inquiry within the university ecosystem. “As per the accord, NIILM University will furnish state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and institutional backing for national level Gatka initiatives while the NGAI will contribute technical mastery, certified coaches and officials and will facilitate the organization of specialized training programs and national-level competitions,” he elaborated.
The NGAI president Grewal further stated that the partnership comprehensively envisions systematic talent scouting, capacity enhancement for technical officials and vigorous promotion of Gatka through both scholarly and athletic platforms.
Echoing this sentiment, general secretary of Haryanvi Gatka Association Sukhchain Singh Kalsani emphasized that the historic collaboration with NIILM University mirrors the burgeoning acknowledgment of Gatka as a dual embodiment of ancient martial tradition and modern sporting discipline. “Universities serve as vital crucibles for preserving indigenous sports while bestowing upon them contemporary significance. This MoU represents a decisive leap in that very direction,” he concluded.

Gatka officiating gets a reset as three days national refresher course wraps up

Updated edition of WGF rulebook to be published soon : Grewal

Chandigarh, December 15, 2025 – The National Gatka Refresher Course concluded on a high note with the successful conduct of a written examination by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), marking a decisive step towards professionalising officiating standards in the traditional martial sport. The test formed the basis for grading and certification of Gatka officials, a process that will now determine their eligibility to officiate national level competitions.
Addressing the gathering at the valedictory session, NGAI president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said the certification exercise was aimed at ensuring uniform interpretation of rules, strengthening technical competence and reinforcing discipline and fairness during tournaments. “Only certified referees and judges, assessed through structured theory and practical evaluation, will henceforth be entrusted with officiating responsibilities at national championships and major events” he added.
Gatka promoter Grewal said the refresher course and examination were part of a long-term roadmap to elevate Gatka officiating to international benchmarks. He announced that the next National Gatka Refresher Course will be organised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh in January in association with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh. Grewal further revealed that similar Gatka programmes would be rolled out in other parts of the country to widen the pool of trained and certified officials.
In another key announcement, Grewal informed that the amended fifth edition of the World Gatka Federation International Rules Book would be published shortly. The updated edition, he said, reflects recent reforms and practical insights gained from national and international competitions and will serve as the authoritative reference for players, officials and organisers.
Participants from different states lauded the initiative, describing the course as a rare and valuable learning experience. Aman Singh of Chhattisgarh, Pandurang Ambhure from Maharashtra, Gurwinder Singh Ghanouli of Punjab and Harnam Singh from Haryana said the blend of detailed theoretical inputs and hands-on practical sessions had significantly enhanced their understanding of officiating protocols, competition management and decision making on the field.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council said the NGAI has signalled a clear shift towards structured governance, accountability and professionalism in Gatka, setting the stage for more disciplined and globally aligned competitions in the years ahead.
Harjinder Kumar, NGAI General Secretary and Baljit Singh, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab collectively underlined the need for continuous capacity building to keep pace with Gatka’s growing national and international footprint.

Regular capacity-building is vital for fair play, says Kalsani

International affairs directorate plans for worldwide Gatka growth : Phool Raj Singh

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025 : The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh bringing together officials from several states for a three-day upgrade in technical training sessions. The programme features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations aimed at standardising officiating practices across the country.

Throughout the day experts led modules on competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also undertook practical exercises designed to strengthen their on-ground decision making.

Speaking at the inaugural session World Gatka Federation (WGF) president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a significant move in maintaining the discipline protocol of the sport. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also serving as president of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), informed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category card in the international Gatka rules book. “This measure reinforces the dignity of technical officials, smooth conduct of bouts and ensuring to maintain discipline in players during competitions. This punitive card will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unholy behaviour,” he stated.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, emphasised that ongoing capacity-building is essential to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Speaking on the occasion President, Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrela, Municipal Councillor Chandigarh said structured refresher courses not only sharpen the proficiency of officials but also help preserve uniformity in the rapidly developing sport.

Offering a global perspective, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, shared the WGF’s plans to accelerate international expansion. He disclosed that national Gatka federations would soon be constituted in multiple countries accompanied by enhanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that the coming years would see more international level tournaments aimed at strengthening Gatka’s presence on the world sports stage.

The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments designed to prepare certified officials for national and international roles.

Also present on the occasion were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of the National Gatka Association, Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh joint secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar.

National Gatka Refresher Course for certification, grading of technical officials

Gatka Association to elevate Gatka game standards in competitions

Chandigarh, December 10, 2025 : In a strategic move to fortify the technical framework of Gatka game, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), an apex body for Gatka sport in India and affiliated with World Gatka Federation (WGF), is going to organize its 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course. The intensive three days program is scheduled from December 12 to December 14, 2025, in Sector 53, Chandigarh.

This flagship initiative is conceptualised to elevate officiating and coaching standards nationwide, ensure uniform implementation of game rules and cultivate a robust pipeline of certified referees, judges and technical officials.

Announcing the course, NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee, emphasized its critical role in the sport’s development. “This refresher course is a cornerstone of our mission to professionalize officiating in Gatka game. We are committed to creating a national standard of excellence that our officials can carry onto the global stage,” stated Grewal.

He further added that the meticulously structured three-day curriculum for 20 hours will feature comprehensive daily theory and practical sessions, designed to hone both the knowledge and on-ground decision-making skills of the participants. Grewal informed that a rigorous written examination will be conducted for official grading and certification, with successful candidates receiving their credentials at the concluding ceremony. Technical officials, who demonstrate exceptional proficiency and achieve higher grades, will be awarded smart identity cards. “This certification is more than a credential; it is a license to officiate at forthcoming national and international Gatka championships and a significant asset for those pursuing careers in coaching and sports training,” he added.

Gatka promoter Grewal outlined the core objectives of the course, highlighting its vital function in skill enhancement, ensuring rule uniformity and standardizing officiating and coaching practices across India. He also underscored the importance of professionalism, mandating that all participants attend theory sessions in proper official uniform. He outlined the mandatory criteria for participation, stating that all technical officials, both men and women, must be a minimum of 25 years and not more than 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026.

Harjeet Grewal said the schedule has been framed to act as a pivotal moment for the traditional sport. “This refresher course is not merely a training program; it is an investment in the future of Gatka game. We are building a disciplined, highly qualified, experienced and technically astute officiating corps to steward the sport through its rapid ascent on both the national and international landscape.”

Mentionably, the NGAI is the governing body for the sport of Gatka in India, dedicated to preserving, promoting, standardising, structuring and elevating the traditional martial art to a competitive sport. Affiliated with the World Gatka Federation, the NGAI is responsible for organizing national championships, training courses, deployment of technical officials and fostering the growth of Gatka across the country.

Punjab boys and Haryana girls emerge champions in their respective categories

Chandigarh, November 9, 2025 – Displaying best skills, precision and true martial spirit Punjab once again proved its dominance by clinching the overall Gatka championship at the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games–2025 here held at Bengaluru City University campus, Karnataka. Haryana secured the runner-up position making the event a gripping showcase of India’s traditional martial art Gatka which was one of the key attractions of the Pythian Games.

Over two days of intense and thrilling bouts Punjab’s boys and Haryana’s girls demonstrated unwavering focus and masterful martial technique to claim the top titles in their respective categories. The Haryana boys and Punjab girls finished runners-up while Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh shared third place among the boys and Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh jointly secured third place among the girls events.

The Gatka competition was inaugurated by Bijender Goel, founder of the Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India amidst great enthusiasm and vibrant traditional performances. Later, the semifinal bouts were inaugurated by B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Organising Committee of 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games.

The final Gatka bouts on the concluding day were inaugurated by Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) who praised the Gatkabaz for displaying exemplary sportsmanship and discipline. He remarked that the performances reflected the living legacy of martial heritage where courage and grace go hand in hand.

The ceremony was graced by Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Jaspreet Singh Saini, Aarthi Diwan, Sreejith Surendra and coach Venugopal Velloli (Bengaluru) and senior Gatka officials including Jagdish Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Amritpal Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh.

Girls’ Results : 

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ashmeet Kaur, Jaskirat Kaur, and Arjmeet Kaur clinched the gold medals while Punjab’s Damanpreet Kaur, Ramanpreet Kaur and Pavneet Kaur took silver. The Chandigarh team of Guramanpreet Kaur, Navdeep Kaur and Ravneet Kaur and Andhra Pradesh’s Badepalli Deek Shitha, Kadiyala Bala Chandana Priya and G. Deephi shared bronze medals.

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Pavneet Kaur (Punjab) won gold, Harmanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) took silver while Badepalli Deek Shitha (Andhra Pradesh) and Kashmir Kaur (Haryana) jointly claimed bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ekamjot Kaur, Arjmeet Kaur and Harsimarpreet Kaur secured gold medals. Chandigarh’s Jeenal, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jashanpreet Kaur earned silver while Punjab’s Mehakdeep Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur and Prabhleen Kaur and Chhattisgarh’s Nidhi, Vidhi and Dimple jointly bagged bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Gursimran Kaur (Punjab) clinched gold followed by Arjmeet Kaur (Haryana) with silver while M. Dhathri Moghadaramma (Andhra Pradesh) and Jashanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) shared bronze.

Boys’ Results :

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Jaskirat Singh (Haryana) emerged gold medalist, Arshdeep Singh (Punjab) claimed silver and Prabhasees Singh (Punjab) with Jagjot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze.

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Uttarakhand’s Rajwinder Singh, Jagjot Singh and Abhijot Singh stormed to gold followed by Punjab’s Narinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Prabhasees Singh with silver. Haryana’s Rajbir Singh, Simranpreet Singh and Armandeep Singh and Chhattisgarh’s Gurpreet Singh, Gurjot Singh and Samrath Singh took bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Varispreet Singh (Haryana) won gold, Jaskaran Singh (Punjab) secured silver while Hardeep Singh (Telangana) and Abhijot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Punjab’s Gursharan Singh, Amanpreet Singh and Jaskaran Singh bagged gold, Haryana’s Ajaypal Singh, Sehajpal Singh and Samarjeet Singh claimed silver while Chandigarh’s Satwant Singh, Manpreet Singh and Bahadur Singh and Haryana’s Anmoldeep Singh, Jaskirat Singh and Varispreet Singh took bronze medals jointly.

Haryanvi girls clinch 8 gold medals in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti team events

Bengaluru, November 7, 2025 – The 2nd Federation Gatka Cup – 2025 was inaugurated today here at Bengaluru City University, Bengaluru, by Bijender Goel, founder of Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India (PCI). The inaugural ceremony was attended by Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), B.H. Anil Kumar, Chairman of Pythian Games Organising Committee, Sneha Venkatramani along with office bearers, Gatka officials and participating athletes from across the country.
Earlier to this the 2nd National Pythian Cultural Games were inaugurated by Bijender Goel and other leaders. The ceremony featured vibrant traditional art performances, cultural expressions and an impressive march past by athletes representing various states, reflecting a spirit of unity between India’s diverse cultural forms and its rich martial traditions.
In his address, Bijender Goel announced that the 3rd National Pythian Games next year will be an even larger celebration of India’s creative and sporting spirit. He also revealed that the first International Pythian Cultural Competition is scheduled to be held in Russia in 2026.
Speaking on the occasion Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, stated that the Federation Gatka Cup represents the strength of India’s Gatkabaz and the timeless legacy of the ancient martial art. “It is a proud moment to see Gatka gaining recognition alongside other cultural and artistic expressions at the Pythian Games,” he said.
On the opening day of this annual championship the young Gatka warriors delivered electrifying performances, setting a spirited tone for the national event. In the Girls’ Gatka Soti team event, Haryana emerged as the dominant force, clinching the first position while Punjab secured second place followed by Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh sharing the third position. Demonstrating exceptional skill and coordination the Haryana girls continued their winning streak in the Farrie Soti team event once again bagging the top spot with Chandigarh taking second place and Punjab and Chhattisgarh finished jointly in third position.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Sukhchain Singh, vice president of International Sikh Martial Art Council, Aarthi Diwan, President of Gatka Association of Karnataka, M Surendra Reddy, general secretary Gatka Association Andhra Pradesh, Jagdish Singh Amritsar and Gatka officials Jaspreet Singh Ropar, Jashanpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh along with coaches and dignitaries from various states.

National Gatka Association to host prestigious 2nd Federation Cup amidst grandeur of 2nd National Pythian Games

Gatka gold medalists to secure coveted berths for International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow

Chandigarh, October 25, 2025 : Bengaluru is poised to transform into the vibrant epicenter of India’s ancient martial arts and rich cultural traditions, as the nation’s most exceptional sports talents and cultural virtuosos converge for a monumental national gathering from November 7 to 9, 2025. The prestigious event, 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, promises to shape the future trajectory of the sport across the country.
During this exhilarating sporting extravaganza at the GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the oldest national Gatka governing body affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, would host its 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. This event would be held concurrently with 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, in a strategic partnership with the Pythian Council of India (PCI). This dual event is meticulously designed to propel the ancient game of Gatka onto a prominent global platform, he added.
The PCI chairman Bijender Goel and president Shantanu Agrahari commended the extensive collaboration with all traditional sports and cultural organizations, hailing the Pythian Games as a landmark initiative that empowers indigenous sports and forges structured pathways for aspiring young athletes to ascend on the international stage. The PCI would provide logistical support, accommodation, meals and official tournament kits, thereby ensuring impeccable professional standards are maintained throughout the prestigious competition.
Disclosing this, the NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal, a State Awardee, announced that during this dual championship, the NGAI would select a national Gatka squad. These Gatkabaz would represent the nation at India’s debut in 1st International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow next year. He elaborated that participants would not only fiercely vie for medals but would also be honored with dual certification.
Gatka promoter Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, confirmed that the competitions would showcase formidable under-19 Gatka events from over ten states, who would demonstrate their prowess across in Gatka-Soti and Farrie-Soti disciplines in both individual and team formats. He further added that all gold medalists would be granted direct selection into the Indian contingent for the first International Pythian Cultural Games, describing it as a transformative milestone in Gatka’s illustrious global journey.
“This championship marks a defining chapter in Gatka’s progress, from a revered traditional martial art to a recognized international sport,” stated Sukhchain Singh, acting president of NGAI, emphasizing that it is not merely a competition but a resounding statement of India’s profound cultural confidence and exceptional athletic excellence.
He added that since its founding in 2004, the NGAI has tirelessly championed the preservation, regulation and modernization of this ancient martial discipline. Through dynamic international collaborations and visionary initiatives like the Pythian Games partnership, the NGAI seeks to irrevocably embed Gatka within the global sporting landscape while meticulously safeguarding its profound spiritual and cultural ethos.
Concluding, Harjeet Singh Grewal declared, “This integrated championship is a watershed moment for Gatka. We are not merely organizing a tournament; we are launching India’s distinguished Gatka ambassadors onto the world stage, where revered tradition magnificently meets triumphant glory.” He added that the thrilling display of impeccable Gatka skills, unwavering discipline, and masterful martial artistry will powerfully symbolize India’s dynamic living cultural legacy on the world stage.

Chandigarh, October 2, 2025: The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, is organising its 13th National Gatka (Men and Women) Championship from October 12 to 14, 2025 at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai, district Durg in Chhattisgarh. This national level martial arts tournament is being organised in association with New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh and would feature participation of Gatka teams from various states competing in a series of thrilling individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie-Soti over three days.

                Starting more about the event, Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee and president of the NGAI, said the championship is being organized with the objective of preserving, promoting and professionalizing the traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka, while providing a national platform for emerging athletes to showcase their talent.

                He said “This championship is part of our long-term ‘Vision Document–2030’ to elevate Gatka from a traditional martial art to an internationally recognized sport. Our aim is to make it Olympic-ready by enhancing technical standards, ensuring gender equality through mixed combat events and adopting IT-based tournament management systems.”

                Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, acting president and Harjinder Kumar, general secretary of the NGAI, added, “We are committed to providing our youth with safe, competitive platforms to celebrate our heritage. This championship is a testament to the growing popularity of Gatka and our association’s efforts to promote it at national and global levels.”

                Gatka promoter Grewal informed that opening ceremony would be held on October 10 while the concluding ceremony on October 12 would honour top-performing athletes with medals, trophies, and certificates. The NGAI warmly invites sports enthusiasts, cultural patrons and the general public to witness the electrifying bouts and support India’s Gatka warriors in this historic event.