The 11th National Gatka Championship, a two-day event organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), commenced with great enthusiasm and promise at here at Talkatora Stadium on Wednesday. The championship features over 900 skilled Gatka players from 14 different states, both boys and girls, who would vie for victory and medals in various age categories.
This grand sporting event is being hosted by the Gatka Association of Delhi, in collaboration with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the National Secretary of BJP, made a profound declaration that 'Gatka soti,' game is a dynamic and promising sport which is set to attain international recognition in the near future.
He emphasised that Gatka's inclusion in the Asian Games and, potentially, the Olympic Games would be the catalyst for its global ascendancy. Sirsa acknowledged the recent recognition of Gatka as the national game, following its inclusion in the 36th National Games by the Union Government and the Indian Olympic Association. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur for their instrumental roles in this accomplishment.
He promised his unwavering support to the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) in their mission to promote this traditional game on a global scale. Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, the General Secretary of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), shared his thoughts on Gatka during his address. He encouraged all participants to perceive Gatka as not only a martial art but also as a full-fledged sport and a form of self-defense.
Kahlon also emphasized the DSGMC's commitment to promoting this ancient Sikh martial art in the capital and pledged continued support for the NGAI and the Gatka Association of Delhi. In addition to these the NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal and Chairman of Gatka Association of Delhi (GAD), Sarvjit Singh Virk also addressed the gathering with inspiring thoughts. They said this National Gatka Championship is not only a testament to India's rich martial arts heritage but also a testament to the dedication and talent of the nation's youth in the field of Gatka.
As the championship unfolds, it symbolizes the sport's journey towards international recognition, reinforcing Gatka's potential to become a sport celebrated on a global scale. Among others present on the occasion include Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Simranjeet Singh vice president and secretary of NGAI respectively, Gurmeet Singh Rana.
President of GAD, JP Singh General Secretary, Supreme Court Advocate Tejinder Pal Singh Nalwa, Baljit Singh secretary international Sikh Martial Art Academy, Inderjodh Singh vice president Gatka Association of Punjab, Samir Singh chairman Sikh Chamber of Commerce, Harpreet Singh Sahota, Event Management.