Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* Manmeet Amn and Hardip Gill to be its Chairman and vice-chairman)
* Efforts to continue to include Gatka in the Olympics-Grewal)
* Two days Gatka coaching camp form October 25 at Jammu)
Chandigarh/Jammu October 3 (Punjab update bureau)-With a view to promote the historical martial art Gatka in the state, the Gatka Federation of India (GFI) has today constituted its state Gatka organization under the name and style of “Jammu and Kashmir Gatka Association”.
Announcing this here on Wednesday Gatka Federation General Secretary Mr. Harjeet Singh Grewal and Joint Secretary Dr. Deep Singh said that it has been resolved by the apex organization, World Gatka Federation (WGF), that this traditional game would be included in the Olympics as it had already constituted its sports organizations in 32 countries. Besides, Asian Gatka Federation (AGF) is going to organize its first Asian Gatka Cup in March next at Malaysia and World Gatka Cup by the end of next year.
Harjeet Singh Grewal also disclosed that School Games Federation of India (SGFI) have also incorporated the Gatka game into the 60th national school games. Punjabi University Patiala has already hosting all India inter-varsity Gatka tournament since 2012 and 3rd all India inter-varsity Gatka event will be organized by February next at university campus. Adding further he said the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have also recognized Gatka and providing all support to Gatka training academy at Amritsar.
On the occasion, Grewal announced the office bearers of newly formed state association nominating Manmeet Singh Amn and Hardip Singh Gill as its Chairman and vice-chairman respectively. Other office bearers include Ravinder Singh president, Ravinder Singh General Secretary, Rajinder Singh senior vice president Kashmir zone, Manjeet Singh vice president Kashmir zone, Tajinder Singh joint secretary, Amarjeet Singh finance secretary and Ranjit Singh technical director.
Speaking on the occasion Chairman Manmeet Singh Amn said that J & K Gatka Association shall get its affiliation with J & K State Sports Council as well as with the J & K State Olympic Association. He also formed a tournament coordination committee and said district bodies shall also be constituted by next month. Adding further Chairman Aman said state association would conduct state level as well as district level competitions for which calendar of activities be announced soon in which different age groups including junior and seniors would take part.
He also announced to organize training/coaching camp for Gatka players as well as for coaches for two days on October 25 and 26. Gatka Association Chairman said that Gatka Akharas already working in the state shall also be given affiliation. He informed that J & K Gatka Association shall also participate in the forthcoming national level Gatka competitions organized by the Gatka Federation of India. It is mentioned here that Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs history and an integral part of an array of Sikh Shastar Vidiya.
Gatka Federation General Secretary Grewal disclosed that Gatka Federation is managing, standardizing, promoting and reviving Gatka as a game in India that was in vogue for self-defence since times immemorial. It’s a humble effort to revive this forgotten and dying art having a historical significance. Adding further he said that Gatka was generally at public display during religious processions earlier but Punjab Gatka Association and Gatka Federation of India have taken major initiatives to implement this martial art as a sport in the India and worldwide.
He informed that the Punjab Government has also incorporated the Gatka game into the state school games. Various state colleges and universities have also included Gatka into their sports calendars and organizing its tournaments.
He stressed that Gatka is a unique art to defend and display fighting skills and exercise self-control which is the best part of this time-tested martial art. “Gatka practice also meant to enable youth to stay healthy and agile by keeping them away from the menace of drug abuse and other intoxicants to lead a disciplined and pious life”, he said. EOM
