Ratia (Advocate Gurpreet Singh Mander), October 15:- The 10th National Gatka Championship commenced in grand style at Guru Nanak Defence and Sports Academy, Ratia. Organised by the Gatka Association of Haryana in collaboration with the Gatka Federation of India, the national-level competition has brought together players from 21 states to showcase their talent. The championship was inaugurated by former Sports Minister, former President of the Olympic Association and international shooter Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, along with former Member of Parliament and BJP Haryana Vice-President Sunita Duggal.
General Secretary of the Gatka Federation of India Baljinder Singh Toor, President of the Gatka Association of Haryana Swarn Singh Ratia, literary figure Dr. Naib Singh Mander, CEO Gurjeet Singh, Ratia Block Samiti Chairman Vikas Kumar, Urban Mandal President Ankit Singla and CM Window eminent person Sunil Indora were also present on the occasion.
Former Sports Minister, former Olympic Association President and international shooter Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi said Gatka is a proud martial art rooted in Sikh tradition. It develops courage, discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of self-defence among young people. He said hosting this national-level championship in Ratia was a matter of pride for the region. The participation of players from 21 states would give the sport wider recognition and provide young athletes with a valuable platform to demonstrate their abilities.
Special guest and former MP and BJP Haryana Vice-President Sunita Duggal said that since the Government of India incorporated Gatka into the Khelo India programme, enthusiasm for the sport among children had increased. She encouraged the players to participate with true sportsmanship and bring pride to their region and country through their performances.
National-Level Competition Gives Ratia New Recognition
The participation of players from 21 states has made the championship in Ratia an important occasion for the sporting community. Hosting this national-level competition will promote sports activities in the region and give Ratia an opportunity to gain recognition across the country. Players arriving from different states will demonstrate their talent, technique, agility and sporting skills during the competition.
Gatka Symbolises Courage, Discipline and Self-Control
Gatka is a traditional martial art rooted in Sikh heritage and is regarded as a symbol of courage, discipline, self-control and physical ability. The sport plays an important role in promoting self-confidence, concentration and a disciplined lifestyle among young people. Organising such national-level competitions also strengthens efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports.
Young Players to Get a Platform to Showcase Their Talent
The championship in Ratia will give players experience of competing at the national level and an opportunity to refine their sporting abilities. The participation of athletes from 21 states has added special significance to the event. The championship has generated enthusiasm among sports lovers in the region and is expected to play an important role in introducing traditional sports to the younger generation.
Dr. Naib Singh Mander and Raghubir Singh of Punjab ably handled the important responsibility of stage management. Principal Jasvir Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur Gill, Jagkiran Kaur Barech, Dharampal Sharma, Kulwinder Kaur, Kanta, Neelam, Head Coach Sumit Kumar, Dhyan Singh, Sarpanch Palwinder Singh, Rajvir Singh, Shamsher Singh, Sandeep Rohilla, Amandeep Sethi, Boota Singh of Sirsa, Praveen Kumar of Karnal, Anuj of Rajasthan, along with a large number of organisers and players, were present on the occasion.
