Bengaluru to host 2nd Federation Gatka Cup on Nov 7–9; winners to qualify for 2026 International Pythian Games
Chandigarh, November 6, 2025: The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), affiliated to the World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, will host the 2nd Federation Gatka Cup at Bengaluru City University from November 7 to 9, bringing together under‑19 teams from 10 states for individual and team contests in Gatka Soti and Farrie Soti.
Announcing the championship, NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal and International Sikh Martial Art Council vice president Sukhchain Singh Kalsani said the Bengaluru meet will run alongside the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, spotlighting India’s indigenous martial heritage and the next generation of Gatka talent.
Gold medalists at the Federation Cup will earn direct selection to represent India at the first International Pythian Cultural Games in 2026, the organisers said, adding that the event is a key step in Gatka’s push onto the global sporting stage.
Grewal noted that NGAI’s affiliations have opened doors for the sport across multi‑sport platforms, including Khelo India Youth Games, the National Games, All India Inter‑University tournaments and National School Games, while preserving Gatka’s cultural ethos.
NGAI general secretary Harjinder Kumar and Gatka Association of Punjab joint secretary Baljit Singh Saini said Bengaluru will serve as the hub of indigenous martial arts this week, with the championship designed to combine competitive rigor with discipline and values for young athletes.
Grewal, who also heads the World Gatka Federation, added that before staging the 3rd Federation Gatka Cup, the World and Asian federations will jointly organise the first International Federation Gatka Cup next year, continuing a two‑decade effort to elevate Gatka as a recognised international sport.