Chandigarh, October 10: The three-day 13th National Gatka Championship, organized by the National Gatka Association of India, commenced on Friday at Guru Nanak English Senior Secondary School, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, with great pomp, show, and traditional enthusiasm. 
Held with the collaboration of the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, these Gatka competitions not only symbolize the glorious representation of India's ancient martial art and cultural heritage, including the Sikh spiritual art, but also convey the message of valor, discipline, goodwill, and cultural pride.
The inauguration of these national competitions was done by the chief guest, Member of Parliament from Durg constituency Vijay Baghel, in the presence of former Minister and special guest Prem Prakash Pandey. 
Accompanying them were Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI); Jasbir Singh Chahal, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat; Inderjeet Singh Chhotu, President of New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh and prominent social worker; General Secretary Jaswant Singh Khalsa; and Finance Secretary Malkit Singh Lalu, along with several other prominent personalities.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Vijay Baghel praised the organizers of the tournament, shed light on the cultural importance of Gatka, and said that Gatka is not just a martial art but a historical heritage that vividly represents India's glorious past and the invincible spirit of Sikh history. 
Encouraging such indigenous arts keeps our culture safe and instills qualities of courage, discipline, devotion, and faith demonstrated by our revered Gurus in the youth.
On this occasion, special guest and former Minister Prem Prakash Pandey said that hosting the national tournament of Gatka sport for Chhattisgarh is a moment of pride. This ancient art not only teaches fitness and discipline but also strengthens social harmony and goodwill through its message of unity and cultural preservation.
Thanking the guests and organizers, Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI and World Gatka Federation, said that both these premier institutions are committed to preserving and promoting Gatka as a traditional art and modern sport. 
Through such championships, our aim is to prepare the country's players for global sports platforms. Our goal is that in the coming times, Gatka sport will be included in international-level multi-sport competitions, including the Olympics.
Providing further details, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu and Jaswant Singh Khalsa informed that more than 500 boys and girls from twelve states across India are participating in this championship. 
They said that on the closing ceremony on Sunday, October 12, winners of various individual and team competitions in Gatka-Soti and Farri-Soti events will be honored with medals and certificates. 
On this occasion, Inderjeet Singh Chhotu announced that players from Chhattisgarh who win gold medals will be given special honors along with cash prizes for sports facilities.
This championship received full cooperation and support from Gurudwara Bebe Nanaki Ji, Zone-2 Khursipar; Gurudwara Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Camp-2 Bhilai; Gurudwara Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Housing Board; Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Camp; Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guru Nanak Nagar; Gurudwara Baba Sahib Ji Budha Sahib Ji Baba Sahib Ji Kohka; Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Supela; Gurudwara Nanaksar Nehru Nagar; Gurudwara Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Housing Board; Gurudwara Mata Gujri Ji HUDCO; Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sector 6; Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat; Youth Sikh Seva Samiti; Guru Nanak School Sector 6; Punjabi Community; Sikh Youth Forum; Guru Nanak Senior Secondary School; and Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association.