(MOREPIC2) NEW YORK: National Gatka Federations worldwide, the World Gatka Federation (WGF), and the Asian Gatka Federation (AGF), have expressed happiness over the inclusion of Gatka sport in the 37th National Games in India . They stated that this achievement has sparked waves of joy among Gatka players globally, and the progress of Gatka in India serves as a model that could be replicated in other countries to ensure this historic game receives recognition and acknowledgement globally.
In a statement issued on Monday Secretary General of World Gatka Federation- WGF, Dr. Deep Singh of New York (USA) thanked Indian Olympic Association, as well as other members, including the members of Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC), for acknowledging and approving Gatka in these prestigious games. He also congratulated & appreciated S. Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), a recognized and representative unit of WGF, for his tireless efforts.(MOREPIC1) (SUBHEAD)
He further stated & shared historical facts about Gatka history in university games back in 1936. Gatka was originally part of official University games in Lahore University (Currently Punjab University, Chandigarh) during undivided Punjab. He shared a book called ” Reviews of The Art of Gatka Fighting ” written by Sardar K.S Akali (Physical Sports Director, RSD College, Firozpur, Punjab) that was used as the official rulebook of Gatka game during the gatka championships & tournaments organized by Educational Institutes at that time.
Providing further details, Dr. Deep Singh informed that World Gatka Federation-WGF, Asian Gatka Federation -AGF, and NGAI had collectively developed a roadmap called -“Vision Document-2030 to include the Traditional Martial art Gatka as a sports in the Asiad, SAIF Games, and Commonwealth Games in the upcoming times. This endeavor was driven by the fact that other sports contemporaneous to Gatka, had already been included in the aforementioned international games.
With the aim of achieving this long-term and significant goal, Dr. Deep Singh appealed to all the NRI's and Gatka enthusiasts residing in various countries to actively support WGF, AGF, and NGAI in all aspects to implement the Gatka project globally.