The 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship, organized by the District Gatka Association Rupnagar under the aegis of the Gatka Association of Punjab, commenced today with great enthusiasm. The two-day championship is being held at Guru Nanak Model School, Laudhipur, with teams from 15 districts of Punjab participating, created a vibrant atmosphere of the Khalsa martial sport at its peak in the area.
Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji Tibbi Sahib today inaugurated the event and started Gatka matches in the presence of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Jathedar Parmjeet Singh Lakhowal, President of National Gatka Association of India, Harjeet Singh Grewal (Advocate) and Gatka Association District Rupnagar President Bibi Manjit Kaur.
Addressing the gathering, Sant Avtar Singh encouraged the Gatka players and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Gatka Association of Punjab in promoting and developing the sport. He also assured full support for the wider promotion and expansion of Gatka.
On this occasion, SGPC member Jathedar Parmjeet Singh Lakhowal blessed the players and stated that Rupnagar district holds a leading position in Gatka activities. He highlighted that in the previous year’s National Gatka Championship, players from the district led the Punjab team and secured several medals.
He also praised the continuous efforts of President Harjeet Grewal in advancing the sport. National President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal asked the players to play and progress with dedication and discipline. He noted that Gatka is consistently achieving new milestones and expressed confidence that international-level competitions would be organized in the future.
Several political and religious dignitaries were also present on the occasion including former Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and former MLA Amarjit Singh Sandoa. Various village panchayats from the region also extended strong support to the tournament.
District Gatka Association President Bibi Manjit Kaur informed that the finals of the tournament would be held on Sunday, April 19, and the winners would be specially honored. Among others present on the occasion were Chairman of Guru Nanak Model School Gurbachan Singh, Gurpreet Singh Bhauwal, Gurvinder Singh Ghanauli, Jaspreet Singh, Parvinder Singh Rupnagar, Hardeep Singh, along with other distinguished guests.