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.