Regular capacity-building is vital for fair play, says Kalsani

International affairs directorate plans for worldwide Gatka growth : Phool Raj Singh

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025 : The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh bringing together officials from several states for a three-day upgrade in technical training sessions. The programme features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations aimed at standardising officiating practices across the country.

Throughout the day experts led modules on competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also undertook practical exercises designed to strengthen their on-ground decision making.

Speaking at the inaugural session World Gatka Federation (WGF) president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a significant move in maintaining the discipline protocol of the sport. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also serving as president of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), informed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category card in the international Gatka rules book. “This measure reinforces the dignity of technical officials, smooth conduct of bouts and ensuring to maintain discipline in players during competitions. This punitive card will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unholy behaviour,” he stated.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, emphasised that ongoing capacity-building is essential to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Speaking on the occasion President, Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrela, Municipal Councillor Chandigarh said structured refresher courses not only sharpen the proficiency of officials but also help preserve uniformity in the rapidly developing sport.

Offering a global perspective, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, shared the WGF’s plans to accelerate international expansion. He disclosed that national Gatka federations would soon be constituted in multiple countries accompanied by enhanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that the coming years would see more international level tournaments aimed at strengthening Gatka’s presence on the world sports stage.

The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments designed to prepare certified officials for national and international roles.

Also present on the occasion were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of the National Gatka Association, Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh joint secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar.

National Gatka Refresher Course for certification, grading of technical officials

Gatka Association to elevate Gatka game standards in competitions

Chandigarh, December 10, 2025 : In a strategic move to fortify the technical framework of Gatka game, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), an apex body for Gatka sport in India and affiliated with World Gatka Federation (WGF), is going to organize its 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course. The intensive three days program is scheduled from December 12 to December 14, 2025, in Sector 53, Chandigarh.

This flagship initiative is conceptualised to elevate officiating and coaching standards nationwide, ensure uniform implementation of game rules and cultivate a robust pipeline of certified referees, judges and technical officials.

Announcing the course, NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, State Awardee, emphasized its critical role in the sport’s development. “This refresher course is a cornerstone of our mission to professionalize officiating in Gatka game. We are committed to creating a national standard of excellence that our officials can carry onto the global stage,” stated Grewal.

He further added that the meticulously structured three-day curriculum for 20 hours will feature comprehensive daily theory and practical sessions, designed to hone both the knowledge and on-ground decision-making skills of the participants. Grewal informed that a rigorous written examination will be conducted for official grading and certification, with successful candidates receiving their credentials at the concluding ceremony. Technical officials, who demonstrate exceptional proficiency and achieve higher grades, will be awarded smart identity cards. “This certification is more than a credential; it is a license to officiate at forthcoming national and international Gatka championships and a significant asset for those pursuing careers in coaching and sports training,” he added.

Gatka promoter Grewal outlined the core objectives of the course, highlighting its vital function in skill enhancement, ensuring rule uniformity and standardizing officiating and coaching practices across India. He also underscored the importance of professionalism, mandating that all participants attend theory sessions in proper official uniform. He outlined the mandatory criteria for participation, stating that all technical officials, both men and women, must be a minimum of 25 years and not more than 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026.

Harjeet Grewal said the schedule has been framed to act as a pivotal moment for the traditional sport. “This refresher course is not merely a training program; it is an investment in the future of Gatka game. We are building a disciplined, highly qualified, experienced and technically astute officiating corps to steward the sport through its rapid ascent on both the national and international landscape.”

Mentionably, the NGAI is the governing body for the sport of Gatka in India, dedicated to preserving, promoting, standardising, structuring and elevating the traditional martial art to a competitive sport. Affiliated with the World Gatka Federation, the NGAI is responsible for organizing national championships, training courses, deployment of technical officials and fostering the growth of Gatka across the country.