 Early Times Report
Chandigarh, Oct 10: Three days 13th National Gatka Championship, organised by National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), kicks off at Bhilai, Chhattisgarh on Friday with grandeur and cultural zeal at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai. The three-day event, hosted in collaboration with New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, marks a proud celebration of India’s martial legacy and Sikh spiritual tradition through the ancient martial art of Gatka, symbolizing valour, discipline and cultural pride.
This national competition was inaugurated by chief guest Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament, Durg constituency, while guest of honour Prem Prakash Pandey, a distinguished social leader, presided over the event. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, National Gatka Association of India (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 several prominent dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Vijay Baghel commended the organizers and highlighted Gatka’s cultural significance, stating: “Gatka is not just a martial art, it is a historic tradition reflecting India’s glorious past and the indomitable spirit of Sikh history. Promoting such indigenous heritage preserves our cultural soul and instills in our youth the virtues of courage, discipline, and devotion taught by our revered Gurus.”
On the occasion guest of honour Prem Prakash Pandey remarked: “It is a moment of pride for Chhattisgarh to host a national tournament of Gatka game. This martial art not only promotes fitness and discipline but also strengthens inter-community harmony through its message of unity and cultural preservation.” Expressing gratitude, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and World Gatka Federation said: “The National Gatka Association and World Gatka Federation are committed to preserving and promoting Gatka as both a traditional art and a modern sport. Through such championships, we aim to preparing the players for the global sporting arena. Our vision is to see Gatka represented in international multisport events including the Olympics in coming times.”
Providing more details, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu and Jaswant Singh Khalsa informed that more than 400 boys and girls from twelve states across India are participating in this championship, which would conclude on Sunday October 12 with the presentation of medals and certificates to winners of various individual and team events in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti. Inderjit Singh Chotu announced that the gold medal winners of Chhattisgarh state would get cash prizes as sports facilities and be honoured specially for bringing laurels for the state. The championship received wholehearted support from various community organizations including the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Youth Sewa Committees and several Gurudwaras include 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 Kohka, Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Supela, Gurudwara Mata Gujri Ji HUDCO, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sector-6, Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Sikh Youth Seva Samiti, Guru Nanak School sector 6, Punjabi Bhaichara, Sikh Youth Forum, Guru Nanak Senior Secondary School and Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association. |
