The 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship (Girls) concluded on a spirited note at Gurukul Group of Institutes, Kotkapura, in district Faridkot with Rupnagar emerging as the overall champions after a series of closely fought contests that reflected both skill and discipline. Fazilka secured the runner-up position, while Gurdaspur and Fatehgarh Sahib shared third place honours, underlining the growing competitive depth of the traditional Sikh martial art across districts.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who also inaugurated the final match. Addressing players and spectators, he highlighted the importance of practising Gatka not only as a sport but as a way of life rooted in discipline, spirituality and self-defence.
He observed that Gatka practitioners remain committed to healthy living and moral values, and urged young participants to stay connected with their faith and uphold the virtues of a Gursikh life. He also appreciated the sustained efforts of the National Gatka Association of India in promoting Gatka at the national level and creating structured competitive platforms for emerging players.
On the occasion in individual honours, Japneet Kaur of Gurdaspur was adjudged the Most Promising Player. Gursimran Kaur of Fazilka received the Best Junior Gatkabaz award, while Anukirat Kaur of Ludhiana was declared the Best Farri Stick Player. The Best Player title went to Pavneet Kaur of Rupnagar, with Ishpreet Kaur also from Rupnagar, winning the Best Gatka Stick Player award.
Sehaj Kaur of Fatehgarh Sahib was recognised as the Best Sub-Junior Star, reflecting the strong pipeline of young talent in the sport. Speaking on the occasion, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of World Gatka Federation and President of National Gatka Association of India, outlined the rapid progress made in developing Gatka as a modern competitive sport.
He said that structured planning is underway to further expand its presence in international competitions, building on the sport’s cultural and sporting significance. State Gatka association president Harbir Singh Duggal and senior vice president Dr. Manjit Singh Dhillon also addressed the gathering.
Dr. Dhillon, who heads the district Gatka association as well, offered to host the next state championship in Kotkapura and announced free education for winning Gatka players in his institutions, a move aimed at encouraging sporting excellence alongside academics. The championship was efficiently coordinated under the supervision of chief referee Talwinder Singh, competition coordinator Narinder Pal Singh and senior referees Harsimran Singh, Sherry Singh, Pardeep Singh and Baljit Kaur.
District press secretary Gurinder Singh Mehndiratta conducted the proceedings and highlighted the ongoing initiatives of the district Gatka association. Managing Director of Gurukul Institute Dr Pritam Singh Chhokar and Administrative Director Harpreet Singh Dhillon said two-day event saw participation from over 250 girls representing 11 districts, reinforcing Gatka’s expanding footprint as both a competitive sport and a cultural tradition rooted in discipline, courage and heritage.