Parents must connect children with Gurbani and Sikh heritage through history: MLA Kulwant Singh
Khalsa Sewa Dal Gatka Akhara clinches top honour at 2nd District Gatka Tournament
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 26, 2025: Thrilling and closely contested bouts of traditional martial art marked the 2nd District Gatka Tournament organised by the Gatka Association of District S.A.S. Nagar and Sarb Sanjha Welfare Society.
The tournament, dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji, concluded at the ground near Gurdwara Nanak Darbar, Sector-91, under the aegis of the Gatka Association of Punjab.
Khalsa Sewa Dal Gatka Akhara, Mohali, emerged victorious by securing the first position, while Misl Shaheedan Gatka Akhara claimed second place. Mata Sahib Deva Gatka Akhara (Girls) finished third.
In the girls’ Soti-Farri (Individual) category, Ishpreet Kaur bagged the first position and Harmanpreet Kaur secured second place. In the boys’ category, Inderjit Singh stood first, followed by Baghel Singh as runner-up.
The final bouts were formally inaugurated by MLA Kulwant Singh in the presence of Phool Raj Singh, Chairman, Directorate of International Affairs, World Gatka Federation, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, National Gatka Association of India, and office-bearers of the organising bodies.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Kulwant Singh recalled the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and urged the sangat to follow the path shown by Guru Sahib, preserve Sikhi and Sikh heritage, and uphold the spirit of selfless service.
He emphasised that parents must actively connect their children with Gurbani, Sikh history and cultural values. Appreciating the initiative of organising religious and cultural competitions at the Gurdwara Sahib, he appealed to parents to encourage greater participation of children in such events in the coming years.
Providing details of the tournament, Society President and former Councillor Phool Raj Singh said that players from nine district Gatka teams showcased exceptional martial skills.
He added that to promote Gatka globally, strengthen children’s bond with Sikh identity and attire, and expand the sport, Gatka federations are being established in several countries. He also announced that a full-fledged Gatka Akhara would soon be started at Gurdwara Nanak Darbar under the guidance of an expert coach.
Gatka promoter Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, highlighting the core values of the martial art, said that the Shastar Vidya bestowed by Guru Sahib leaves no room for stuntmanship or showmanship, and urged all Gatka Akharas and players to strictly adhere to its discipline and spiritual ethos.
Among those present on the occasion were DSP Harsimran Singh Ball, Rajinder Singh Sidhu, President, Resident Welfare Society, Sector 90-91, Kuldeep Singh Samana, former MCs R.P. Sharma and Harpal Singh Channa, Amarjeet Singh (Sector-94), Gurdeep Singh Tiwana, Gurmeet Singh, Nihal Singh, Gurbeer Singh, Palwinder Singh Goraya, Vikramjit Singh, Harpal Singh, Jasminder Singh, Harpreet Singh Sarao and Dildeep Singh.
The judging panel comprised Harsimran Singh, Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, Pradeep Singh, Anmolpreet Kaur, Monika, Jagpreet Singh and Harpreet Kaur, who discharged their duties with dedication, impartiality and professionalism.