Chandigarh, November 6: As Gatka continues its journey from traditional Sikh martial art to a recognised sport, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) has announced plans to host the first International Federation Gatka Cup next year.
NGAI president and World Gatka Federation (WGF) chief Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said the upcoming international event will follow the 2nd Federation Gatka Cup being held in Bengaluru from November 7 to 9. “The Bengaluru championship marks a continuation of our two-decade effort to elevate Gatka to global sporting status,” he said.
The Bengaluru event will feature under-19 Gatka players from ten states competing in Soti and Farrie Soti categories. Winners will secure places in India’s squad for the 2026 International Pythian Cultural Games.
Grewal said the NGAI’s affiliation with WGF and the Asian Gatka Federation (AGF) has opened the door for international exposure. “Our aim is to build a pathway where young athletes can pursue Gatka professionally while preserving its cultural spirit,” he said.
Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of NGAI, and Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, said Bengaluru will serve as the country’s centre of indigenous martial arts this month. “This championship reflects how ancient traditions can thrive in modern competitive formats,” Kumar added.
