Rupnagar district emerged as the overall champion at the 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship - 2026 delivering an impressive performance across multiple age categories. During the annual tournament concluded on Sunday at nearby village Laudimajra, where Gurdaspur claimed the second position while Fatehgarh Sahib finished third.
Outstanding Gatka players from different categories were honoured for their excellence during the championship. In the sub-junior category, Baljot Singh of Rupnagar was adjudged the Best Gatkabaaz. Dilraj Singh of Amritsar secured the Best Player award in the junior category while Amanpreet Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib earned top honours in the senior category.
Addressing the closing ceremony as the chief guest, Rupnagar MLA Dinesh Chadha lauded the efforts of the Gatka Association District Rupnagar for successfully organising the championship and promoting the traditional martial art. He noted that Rupnagar, being historically associated with the Khalsa legacy, holds a special responsibility in preserving and promoting martial art Gatka.
He also assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned state authorities to ensure improved facilities for Gatka players and to further strengthen the sport. On the occasion, President of the National Gatka Association of India, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, extended his gratitude to the participating teams, referees and coaches.
He stated that through collective efforts, Gatka game continues to progress steadily. Gatka promoter Grewal further highlighted that the World Gatka Federation is committed to achieving the long-term goal of securing Gatka’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent religious and political personalities from the region. Among those present on the concluding day were Barinder Singh Dhillon, Inderpal Raju Satyal, Baljit Singh Saini, Finance Secretary of National Gatka Association, Harpreet Singh Lakhewal, Amaninder Singh Rehal, Surinder Singh Haripur, Jagdeep Singh Thali, district president Bibi Manjit Kaur, Gurpreet Singh Bhauwal, Gurvinder Singh Rupnagar, Chief Referee Narinder Singh Paras, Jaspreet Singh, Gurvinder Singh Ghanauli, along with other distinguished guests.