Bengaluru, November 7, 2025 -The second Federation Gatka Cup - 2025 was inaugurated today at Bangalore City University, Bengaluru by Bijendra Goel, Founder of Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of Pythian Council of India (PCI). The inaugural ceremony was attended by National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) President Advocate Harjit Singh Grewal, Pythian Games Organizing Committee Chairman B.H. Anil Kumar, Sneha Venkatamani along with office bearers of the association, Gatka officials and players from across the country.
Earlier, the 2nd National Pythian Cultural Games were also inaugurated by Bijendra Goel in the presence of leaders of the Pythian Council. The event featured vibrant traditional art performances, cultural programmes and an impressive march past by athletes representing different states, which reflected the spirit of unity between India’s diverse cultural forms and its rich martial traditions.
In his address, Bijendra Goel announced that the 3rd National Pythian Games to be held next year will witness an even bigger celebration of the spirit of sportsmanship in India’s traditional arts and sports. He also revealed that arrangements are being made to organize the first International Pythian Cultural Games in Russia next year in 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Advocate Harjit Singh Grewal, who is also the Vice President of PCI, said that this Federation Gatka Cup reflects the passion, energy and eternal legacy of the ancient martial art of the country’s Gatka players. He said that it is a matter of pride to see Gatka getting recognition along with other cultural games and artistic competitions in the Pythian Games.
On the opening day of this annual championship, the young Gatka warriors put up amazing performances while displaying their spirited art during the national tournament. Thanks to their stick skills and better coordination, Haryana emerged as the dominant force in the girls’ Gatka-Soti team event, winning four gold medals to secure the first position while Punjab came second and Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh jointly secured the third position. Similarly, the girls of Haryana continued their winning streak in the Furi-Soti team event as well. Chandigarh stood second and Punjab and Chhattisgarh jointly secured the third position.
Other dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony included Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice President of the International Sikh Martial Arts Council, Aarthi Diwan, President of Gatka Association Karnataka, M Surendra Reddy, General Secretary of Gatka Association Andhra Pradesh, Jagdish Singh Amritsar, besides Gatka referees Jaspreet Singh Ropar, Jashanpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Shari Singh, Narinderpal Singh and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh, as well as Gatka coaches and dignitaries from various states.