Chandigarh, December 14, 2025:- Technical officials from various states of the country attended the third National Gatka Refresher Course that began here at Gurdwara Babe Ke Sector 53. The three-day empowerment program aims to strengthen technical standards in the game of Gatka, ensure uniform compliance with rules and further strengthen the smooth and transparent conduct of competitions.
In this course, experts gave lectures on important topics like scoring system, foul evaluation, competition planning, tournament management and performance of officials on the Gatka field. Gatka officials also participated in practical sessions in which they got an opportunity to further hone their decision-making skills and technical control regarding scoring.
World Gatka Federation President Advocate Harjit Singh Grewal made an important announcement during the inaugural session regarding maintaining discipline in the game of Gatka. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also the President of the National Gatka Association of India, said that the ‘black card’ has been included as the fourth foul card in the federation’s international Gatka rules.
He said that the aim of this step is to uphold the dignity and decency of technical officials, ensure smooth conduct of competitions and maintain proper discipline among the players during the bout. This penalty card will be used in case of undisciplined, indecent, unruly or unwanted behavior by any player.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice-Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Arts Council, said that continuous training and capacity-building are very important to maintain a fair system of sports. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrella, Municipal Councilor said that such refresher courses enhance the qualifications and experience of officials and also strengthen the international credibility of the game of Gatka.
Phool Raj Singh, Chairman, Directorate of International Affairs, gave details of the future plans of the World Gatka Federation. He said that in the coming years, steps will be taken to form national Gatka federations in different countries, conduct high-level training programs for technical officials and organize more international competitions. He said that these efforts will prove helpful in making Gatka more influential on the world sports platform.
During this refresher course, the preparation and competence of certified officials at the national and international levels will be further strengthened through training workshops, practical exercises, evaluation and mass competitions.
On this occasion, besides others, General Secretary of National Gatka Association Harjinder Kumar, Joint Secretary of Gatka Association of Punjab Baljit Singh Saini, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh Senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh Joint Secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar were also present.