Thrilling and closely fought competitions of traditional martial art were witnessed during the 2nd district Gatka tournament organised by Gatka Association of district S.A.S. Nagar and Sarb Sanjha Welfare Society, dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujar Kaur Ji. The traditional tournament concluded at the ground near Gurdwara Nanak Darbar in sector-91 under the aegis of the Gatka Association of Punjab where Khalsa Sewa Dal Gatka Akhara, Mohali achieved first place.
Misl Shaheedan Gatka Akhara secured second position while Mata Sahib Deva Gatka Akhara (Girls) finished third. In the girls’ Soti-Farri (Individual) category, Ishpreet Kaur secured first position and Harmanpreet Kaur stood second. In the boys’ category of the same event, Inderjit Singh claimed the top spot while Baghel Singh finished runner-up.
The final bout of this event was formally inaugurated by MLA Kulwant Singh in the presence of Phool Raj Singh, Chairman, Directorate of International Affairs of World Gatka Federation, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, National Gatka Association of India and office-bearers of the organising society.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Kulwant Singh recalled the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and urged the sangat to walk on the path shown by Guru Sahib, preserve Sikhi and Sikh heritage and continue the spirit of selfless service. He encouraged parents to familiarise their children more deeply with Sikh history and culture.
Appreciating the society’s initiative of organising religious and cultural competitions for children at the Gurdwara Sahib, he appealed to parents to involve even more children in such activities next year. Providing details, Society President and former Councillor Phool Raj Singh said that players from nine district Gatka teams displayed outstanding martial skills during the annual tournament.
He added that to further promote this heritage sport abroad, strengthen children’s bond with Sikh identity and dress and form more Gatka teams, Gatka federations are being established in several countries. He also announced that a full-fledged Gatka Akhara would soon be started at Gurdwara Nanak Darbar under the guidance of an expert coach.
Gatka promoter Grewal, while highlighting the values of the sport, said the ‘Shastar Vidya’ bestowed by Guru Sahib has no place for stunt acts or showmanship and urged all Gatka Akharas and players to strictly refrain from such practices. Among those present on the occasion were Harsimran Singh Ball DSP, Rajinder Singh Sidhu, President, Resident Welfare Society, Sector 90-91, Kuldeep Singh Samana, R.P. Sharma and Harpal Singh Channa (both former MCs), Amarjeet Singh Sector-94, Gurdeep Singh Tiwana, Gurmeet Singh, Nihal Singh, Gurbeer Singh, Palwinder Singh Goraya, Vikramjit Singh, Harpal Singh, Jasminder Singh, Harpreet Singh Sarao and Dildeep Singh.
The judging panel comprised Harsimran Singh, Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, Pradeep Singh, Anmolpreet Kaur, Monika, Jagpreet Singh and Harpreet Kaur, who discharged their duties with dedication, impartiality and professionalism.