The 13th National Gatka Championship-2025, organized by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), concluded in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, with a spectacular display of traditional martial artistry and sporting excellence. After three days of intense competition, Punjab Gatka players were crowned overall champions while the Chhattisgarh contingent captured hearts with their spirited performance, clinching the runners-up title through sheer determination, precision strikes and perseverance.
In various competitions in the boys’ category, Punjab secured the first position with exceptional skills and martial technique, followed by Chhattisgarh in second place, while Haryana and Uttarakhand shared the third position. In the girls’ category, Chhattisgarh’s players delivered an outstanding performance this time to claim the first position, Chandigarh stood second and Punjab and Haryana jointly took the third spot.
Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Education and Rural Industries, Gajendra Yadav, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and presented medals and certificates to the winners. Addressing the gathering, the Minister remarked that the Gatka is not merely a sport but a glorious part of India’s martial heritage that instills discipline, courage and self-control. He assured that the Government of Chhattisgarh would actively promote Gatka across schools, colleges and universities, encouraging youth participation in this traditional martial art that embodies valor and spiritual strength.
Vaishali Nagar MLA, Rikesh Sen, appreciated the dedication and sportsmanship of the Gatka players, noting that the discipline, respect and teamwork displayed by Gatka athletes set an inspiring example for every young sportsperson in India. He further urged the youth of Chhattisgarh to actively participate in Gatka game and bring pride to the state through this martial art.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests including Manish Pandey, from Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Purushottam Dewangan, BJP district president, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, executive member of the Asian Gatka Federation and President of New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, Jaswant Singh, general secretary and Jasbir Singh Chahal, President of the Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat.
NGAI President Harjeet Singh Grewal commended the exemplary performances and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding Gatka’s reach across all Indian states, ensuring its continued growth and recognition at the national and international levels. During the closing ceremony, outstanding performers were felicitated for their achievements. The Junior Gatka Star award was bagged by Satwant Singh Khalsa of Chandigarh while Suneha, also from Chandigarh, received the Best Performer award.
The Most Promising Player title went to Ramandeep Singh of Punjab. Dimple Kumari from Chhattisgarh was adjudged the Best Gatka-Soti Player and Jaskirat Singh from Haryana earned the Best Farrie-Soti Player honour. Jagjot Singh from Uttarakhand was declared the Best Gatkabaz while Ishpreet Kaur of Punjab was named the Best Gatkabaz (Female) .
The championship concluded amidst applause and celebration, marking another milestone in the journey of reviving and popularizing Gatka, India’s ancient martial art rooted in Sikh heritage.