Harcharan Singh Bhullar, President Gatka Federation of India (GFI) today thanked Union Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for their decision to help out promotion of traditional martial art Gatka by inducting it into the 10 selected Indian disciplines.In a statement issued here Mr. Bhullar said that the Gatka Federation of India (GFI) wholeheartedly appreciated the much delayed move of Union Sport Ministry, which recognized the importance and concept of this time tested indigenous art of country. Adding further he said that it was the result of constant and concerted efforts of Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, President World Gatka Federation to secure such a place for this indigenous sport at national level.
Describing this initiative of Union Sports Ministry a boon for budding Gatka players, Mr. Bhullar said that it would prove a platform for the budding stars to prove and establish themselves as preserver of this traditional sport. He added that this would also strengthen the morale of all Gatkebaaz and Gatka associations affiliated with World Gatka Federation.Mr. Bhullar said that it was also a matter of joy that the students, who would get selected under this sport by the SAI, would also get the annual stipend and to be brought under the ambit of insurance cover besides getting complete Gatka kits with equipments.Meanwhile Mr. S.P. Singh Oberoi, President Asian Gatka Federation also extended thanks to Sports Ministry and World Gatka Federation for achieving this esteem. He said that provisioning of monthly Rs. 10000 monetary financial assistance to the coaches and the mentors of budding Gatka players was also appreciable.Mr. Bhullar and Oberoi also assured that the Gatka Federations would extend all possible support and cooperation to SAI for the promotion of Gatka in all the states. They said that this move would secure future of scores of youngsters having talent in this ancient sport.