CHANDIGARH, Dec 15— Gatka officiating standards are set for a reset after the National Gatka Association of India conducted a written examination to certify referees and judges following a three-day national refresher course, officials said Monday.
The certification process will serve as the basis for appointing officials at national-level tournaments, according to NGAI.
NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said uniform training and assessment were necessary as the sport expands across India and abroad.
“The aim is to strengthen technical competence and ensure discipline and fairness during competitions,” Grewal said. “Certification will now be a prerequisite for officiating major events.”
He said the association has drawn up a roadmap to improve officiating standards and bring them in line with global norms. As part of that plan, the next refresher course will be organised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, in January.
“We will continue to roll out such programmes in different regions to build a wider base of trained officials,” Grewal said.
Grewal also announced that the revised fifth edition of the World Gatka Federation International Rules Book would be published shortly.
“This edition reflects recent amendments and learning from competition experience,” he said, adding that it would act as the standard reference for players, officials and organisers.
Participants from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh said the course improved their understanding of officiating protocols and on-field decision-making.
Harjinder Kumar, NGAI general secretary, and Baljit Singh, joint secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, said regular capacity-building efforts were essential to meet the demands of Gatka’s growing presence at the national and international levels.
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