Chandigarh Gatka Association
Let’s Play Gatka
What we do
Chandigarh Gatka Association (Regd.) is doing efforts to Promote Gatka as a Sports under the aegis of National Gatka Association of India (Regd.). This irony of fate that Gatka have been denied its due status and recognition but on the contrary several games, which even had not Indian origin and lesser known games, have already been included in the schedule of National sports and University Games calendar.
Gatka sport must be included into the gradation list of general sports so that Gatka players could also avail the benefits being provided to the sportspersons. “Promotion of Gatka as a global sport would certainly project India as the world’s largest democracy committed to secularism and unity in diversity,. It is mentioned here that it is a style of fighting only with sticks between two Gatka players, intended to simulate the sword and focuses on infusing physical, spiritual and mental fitness. No sharp edged weapons are used in the transformed Gatka game. The present martial art form, Gatka, has been acknowledged as a sport and being played in the entire country and diaspora.
Upcoming Events
EFFORTS
Gatka was generally at public display during religious processions but Gatka Association of Punjab (GAP), Chandigarh Gatka Association (CGA) and National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), under the aegis of World Gatka Federation, have taken major initiatives for its revival and promotion by putting this rare martial art into practice as a sport in India and worldwide. It is a humble effort to revive this forgotten and dying art having a historical significance. In order to preserve, promote and showcase this rare Sikh martial art at national & international level, these Gatka sports organizations are producing a documentary film on Gatka.
METHODOLOGY
Gatka is a style of stick fighting between two or more practitioners, with wooden sticks (called Soti) intended to simulate swords. In Gatka, the “Stick” and “Farri” are also used to substitute the sword and shield respectively for practice and safety purposes. When one exponent attacks, the opponent blocks it and then counter-attacks the player. It entails a sequence of maneuvers involving pattern of footwork coupled with offensive and defensive skills.
BENEFITS
Gatka is a unique art to defend & display fighting skills and exercise self-control which is the best part of this time-tested martial art. Gatka practice also meant to enable youth to stay healthy and agile by keeping them away from the menace of drug abuse and other intoxicants to lead a disciplined and pious life.
RECOGNITION
The Punjab Government and School Games Federation of India (SGFI) have also incorporated the Gatka game into the school games. Various colleges and universities have also included Gatka into their sports calendars on our persistent appeals. Punjabi University Patiala has hosted 2nd All India Inter-varsity Gatka Tournament in January 2014. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) have also recognized Gatka and providing all support to Gatka Training Academy at Amritsar.
Age Groups & Events
There are three events in one age group namely Single Soti, Fari-Soti and Weapon demonstrations. Each event is played as individually and team event. Hence there becomes six events in some age groups. As sub-junior players are under 14 years, that is why the Federation has allowed only four events i.e. Single Soti (Individual), Farri-Soti (Individual) and Weapon demonstrations in individual & team event only. Whereas above Junior level, there are six events in all age groups which are as follows
In all types of Gatka tournaments there are six age groups having six events i.e :