Chandigarh, October 13 - The 13th National Gatka Championship-2025, organized by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) in collaboration with New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh, concluded with a grand display of traditional martial arts and sportsmanship in Bhilai city of Chhattisgarh.
After three days of intense competition, Punjab's Gatka players became the overall champions, while Chhattisgarh's players won the title of runners-up, winning hearts with their courage, accuracy and hard work.
In the boys' category, Punjab secured the first position with a strong performance and excellent techniques, while Chhattisgarh secured the second position, while Haryana and Uttarakhand jointly secured the third position. In the girls' category, players from Chhattisgarh secured the first position, Chandigarh secured the second position and Punjab and Haryana jointly secured the third position.
Chhattisgarh Education and Rural Industries Minister Gajendra Yadav graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and presented medals and certificates to the winners. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Gatka is not just a game but a part of India's glorious martial heritage, which teaches discipline, courage and self-control.
The Chhattisgarh government will vigorously promote Gatka in schools, colleges and universities across the state to encourage participation of the youth in this traditional art.
He congratulated the National Gatka Association and New Gatka Sports Association, Chhattisgarh for organising this event, which showcased India's rich cultural identity in Chhattisgarh and inspired national unity through sports.
On this occasion, MLA of Vaishali Nagar constituency Rakesh Sen praised the spirit of sportsmanship of the players and said that the discipline, respect and teamwork displayed by the Gatka players set an example for every young player of India. He also encouraged the youth of Chhattisgarh to actively participate in this war game and bring glory to the state.
The event was attended by Manish Pandey, Executive Member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Purushottam Dewangan, District President of BJP, Harjit Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association, Inderjit Singh Chhotu, Executive Member of Asian Gatka Federation and President of New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh, General Secretary Jaswant Singh and President of Chhattisgarh Sikh Panchayat, Jasbir Singh Chahal. President Harjit Singh Grewal appreciated the excellent performance and reiterated the commitment of NGAI to increase the reach of Gatka in all Indian states.
Awards were also given to the best performers during this championship, in which Satwant Singh Khalsa from Chandigarh was awarded the Junior Gatka Star Award and Suneha was awarded the Best Performance Award. The Most Talented Player award went to Ramandeep Singh from Punjab.
Dimple Kumari from Chhattisgarh was awarded the Best Gatka-Soti Player and Jaskirat Singh from Haryana was awarded the Best Farri-Soti Player. Jagjot Singh from Uttarakhand was declared the Best Gatka Player and Ishpreet Kaur from Punjab was declared the Best Gatka Player in the women's category.