Mohali: The Gatka Federation of India (GFI) is organising its first National Gatka Open Championship (Men and Women) at Akal Degree College Mastuana Sahib, Sangrur, from November 11 to November 13. Earlier the championship was scheduled to be held from October 28 to October 30.


Gatka players in the age category of under-14, under-17, under-19, under-22 and under-25 can participate in the tournament. Stating this here today, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, president, Gatka Federation of India, said the competition would be held according to the rules set forth by the GFI and the winners would be awarded cash prizes and certificates.

Adding further he said entries of the teams would be accepted till November 5. Participating teams could download entry form from website www.gatkafederation.com. Anybody can participate in the events being a sport as the GFI has adopted the conventional sports uniform as a new dress code in the rules book to play game in all the competitions to make it a 'Cosmopolitan Sport', said Harcharan.

Harjeet Singh Grewal, general secretary, Gatka Federation of India (GFI), said the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) has also incorporated gatka as a game in the 56th National School Games 2011-12 slated to be held at Ludhiana during November this.

Besides, third state schools gatka tournament would also be organised the next month at Rupnagar by the school education department.
Gatka was only the domain of males, now even the women have been outperforming the males by displaying their rare acumen in the gatka sport.

He categorically said promotion of gatka as a sport at national as well as international arena would not only strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and universal brotherhood but also plays a significant role in spreading the message of peace and love amongst all comity of nations.

The Tribune