ACHIEVEMENTS
The diligent efforts of the NGAI office bearers in obtaining recognition and fostering the martial art of Gatka have reaped numerous achievements and milestones over the years. Here’s a concise overview:
ACHIEVEMENT
2015
The Punjab Government officially included Gatka ‘Soti’ as a recognized sport in the state’s gradation list. This recognition extends eligibility for benefits under the 3 percent sports quota for government jobs and academic institution admissions.
ACHIEVEMENT
2011-2012
Gatka Soti was introduced into the National School Games calendar by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) during the 2011-12 season.
ACHIEVEMENT
2009
In 2009, the Punjab Education Department acknowledged Gatka Soti as a sport, integrating it into the curriculum of schools, colleges, and universities. This paved the way for the organization of Punjab State Inter-District Gatka tournaments
ACHIEVEMENT
2015-2016
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) included Gatka Soti in the 75th National University Sports calendar during the 2015-2016 season. Before this, Punjabi University, Patiala, hosted All India Inter-University Gatka (Men & Women) prize money tournaments four times since 2011.
ACHIEVEMENT
2015-2016
Khelo India/SAI, administered by the Union Sports Ministry, recognized Gatka Soti as an indigenous martial art and included it in the 4th Khelo India Youth Games held in Panchkula, Haryana, in June 2022.
- Gatka lessons have been integrated into school textbooks by the PSEB.
- The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) included Gatka Soti in the 75th National University Sports calendar during the 2015-2016 season. Before this, Punjabi University, Patiala, hosted All India Inter-University Gatka (Men & Women) prize money tournaments four times since 2011.
- In 2023, the Indian Olympic Association officially recognized Gatka Soti as a sport and included it in the 36th National Games held in Goa in October 2023.
- In 2019, Khelo India/SAI, administered by the Union Sports Ministry, recognized Gatka Soti as an indigenous martial art and included it in the 4th Khelo India Youth Games held in Panchkula, Haryana, in June 2022.
- Khelo India awarded monthly scholarships to 51 Gatka players (U-14 & U-17) in 2020-21 who achieved success in the National Gatka championship.
- In collaboration with the WGF, the NGAI formulated and standardized the in-depth 3rd edition of the International Gatka Rules book in 2021 to establish Gatka Soti as a systematic game.
- NGAI is actively conducting free Gatka training camps, refresher courses, seminars, workshops, and online training to provide comprehensive training to players and officials
- The NGAI and ISMAC are considering the establishment of an academic residential institute, “International Gatka Institute for Research and Training (IGIRT),” in SAS Nagar, Punjab, for research and development activities related to Gatka and Sikh martial art.
- Following an MoU signed by WGF with Punjabi University Patiala in 2012, the Punjabi University introduced a one-year “Diploma in Gatka Training” course. The NGAI plans to introduce six/three-month certificate courses and online training at the proposed IGRIT. Specialized Gatka Training Centers (GTCs) will be established at the district/state level to provide proper training to players and officials
- The Sikh Martial Art Research and Training Board (SMART Board) has been reconstituted to grant scholarships to research scholars studying Sikh martial art Gatka. This initiative aims to preserve the rich legacy of Gatka and revive this ancient art.
- A documentary film is in production, along with animation films on Sikh martial art Gatka, to highlight its historical significance, unique self-defense techniques, and Gatka training for children. Social media pages, websites, and a mobile Gatka App are active to disseminate awareness in the online world
- To expand the reach of Gatka sport globally, WGF and AGF have been managing, regulating, and promoting national Gatka organizations worldwide. Several National Gatka Federations have already been formed in many countries, with more expected to be established in the future.
- The NGAI has established state units in 23 states across India to promote Gatka as a sport within the country.
- The NGAI organized its 11th National Gatka (Sub-junior, Junior, Senior) Championship-2023-24 at Talkatora stadium, New Delhi in October 2023.
- The WGF and AGF are planning to hold the first Asian Gatka Championship in 2024 and the first World Gatka Championship in 2025.
- A “Vision Document-2030” was prepared in 2016 to modernize the playing and management of Gatka tournaments by incorporating the latest IT techniques and striving to include Gatka in the Olympic Games in the future.
- Gatka was included as a competitive sport by the administrative body of the Australian Sikh Games in 2019.
- International Gatka Day has been celebrated every year since 2015. Besides, martial art Gatka demonstrations are held during Republic Day and Independence Day programs at district headquarters in Punjab annually.
Once considered a diminishing art, Gatka is now flourishing in its home territory, and there is growing demand for its demonstration at special occasions, celebrations, important events, marriages, and national days like Independence Day and Republic Day.
The office bearers of NGAI have a dream and vision to promote and showcase Gatka to the diaspora and aspire to see Gatka included as a game in the Olympics. The NGAI calls upon all individuals to earnestly cooperate, support, and assist in achieving this cherished goal, a longing of the Sikh Sangat for decades.
At first glance, this mission to elevate Gatka to greater heights may seem like a daunting task. However, with your cooperation and wholehearted support, this monumental endeavor can undoubtedly be completed with resounding success. Join Us in our selfless efforts for the sake of Gatka by supporting us in various ways as you see fit.
The office bearers of NGAI have a dream and vision to promote and showcase Gatka to the diaspora and aspire to see Gatka included as a game in the Olympics. The NGAI calls upon all individuals to earnestly cooperate, support, and assist in achieving this cherished goal, a longing of the Sikh Sangat for decades.
At first glance, this mission to elevate Gatka to greater heights may seem like a daunting task. However, with your cooperation and wholehearted support, this monumental endeavor can undoubtedly be completed with resounding success. Join Us in our selfless efforts for the sake of Gatka by supporting us in various ways as you see fit.