Gatka – A Martial Game

Gatka - A Martial Game

A combat as a sport or for self defence is common in many communities of the world. It is known by different names at different places. This kind of activity known as Gatka is closely related to Sikhs. When Guru Hargobind Sahib brought transformation among the Sikhs by adopting Miri Piri concept, Sikhs were trained in the use of weapons for their self defence. The use of weapons by the Gurus in the battles fought by them led to the formation of Sikh army adept in such a use of swords. When not in the battle field, these people used to fight mock battles as a sport. Gradually, the sport aspect replaced swords (Kirpans) by wooden sticks. The fight with them as a sport came to be known as Gatka. Infact Gatka means a stick used to teach the first part of club fighting. It has a leather covering. In the right hand holding a Gatka and in left hand a ‘Phari’, two men play with each other. Persian – Khutka. (See ‘Mahan Kosh’). Thus, Kahan Singh Nabha believes that the words ‘Khutka’ and ‘Gatka’ are used for same meaning. When we seek advice from ‘Urdu-Punjabi-Hindi Kosh’ published by the Language Department, Punjab for word ‘Khutka’, we find these meanings with others: – ‘Kutka’, ‘Mota Danda’ (cudgel), ‘Thhosa’, (thumb) etc. Continuing the discussion regarding the meaning of Gatka SikhiWiki website concludes as “comparatively the terms ‘Khutak’, ‘Khutka’, ‘Kutka’, ‘Gatka’, ‘Gadka’, ‘Gadd’ and ‘Gadaa’ are close to one another, if not completely the same. These words are translated into ‘Mota Danda’, ‘Chhota Ate Mota Sota’, cudgel, truncheon and club. There could be many kinds of ‘Kutka’ or ‘Gatka’ depending on their size or shape. This can be compared to ‘Khanda’ and ‘Talvaar’. Both words have been used for sword. At the same time, the word ‘Khanda’ is used for a particular kind of double-edged sword also. In the same way, ‘Saif’ is a sword, but of a different kind. Well, after this discussion given above, we reach conclusion that the word ‘Gatka’ stands for cudgel, club or short stick”.

The progress of Gatka

Although, this sport was being played by the Sikhs right from the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib, its rules were framed for the first time by Major Kartar Singh Akali (Director Physical RSD College Ferozepur) in 1936. It was divided in two sub-styles, called Rasmy (Traditional) and Khel (Sport). After the independence of the country this game attained popularity and a number of organizations were formed to promote the same. Whereas, in India, the Gatka Federation (formed in 2008) became the main organization to formulate and standardize rules and regulations for Gatka as a sport, S. Harcharan Singh Bhullar is the president of Gatka Federation of India. Outside India, the Asian Gatka Federation, Commonwealth Gatka Federation and World Gatka Federation were constituted. SPS Oberoi is the president of Asian Gatka Federation. Punjab, being the most important state for this sport because of its association with the Sikhs, Punjab Gatka Association played an active role in encouraging the people by providing free training of Gatka through seminars, camps and workshops. The Punjab and Chandigarh Education Departments introduced gatka into the school sports calendars in the state, while the School Games Federation of India also incorporated gatka into the 56th National School Games calendar 2011-12. It is becoming popular in India and all those countries where the Sikhs are getting immigrated in large number. This sport is showcased during the martial festival of Hola Mohalla, as well as Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in the Punjab. Gatka is one of the competitions held during an annual sporting event in the rural Indian city of Kila Raipur, and the Sikh community of Malaysia often holds gatka demonstrations during Vaisakhi or the Sikh New Year. Same is true for such celebrations in other countries. Whereas Gatka Federation of India is the main organisation for this sport in our country, World Gatka Federation is the International body to which Gatka Federations of the members countries are affiliated. Similarly, we have State Federations in India like Punjab Gatka Federation, U.P. Gatka Federation etc. The same are all affiliated to the Gatka Federation of India. S. H.S. Bhular is the President of Gatka Federation of India and S. Baljinder Singh Toor is the General Secretary.

The increasing popularity of Gatka

The increasing popularity of Gatka can be gauged from the fact that a large number of training academies known as, Akharas have grown up in India, UK, USA, Australia and Canada. The trainers teach their pupils the art of using the sword and the sticks which are generally used in place of swords and also the art of protecting from the opponent by using a shield. During these years, the number of weapons being used in Gatka has also increased and the players have started showing their skill in using the same. A number of stunts have also been added by certain Akharas for training their teams to show a different performance from others. However, the Federations controlling the sport at different level have prohibited any kinds of stunts and have advised the Akharas (training centres) not to encourage their trainees to indulge in the same. The sport should be played as per the rules approved in this regard. As the number of Akharas in the world is very big, it is not possible to mention even a few of them. The maximum Akharas are in Punjab in India, Ontario in Canada, Surrey in Canada and Southall and surrounding areas in U.K. We will like to mention a few of the hundred Akharas giving training for Gatka. We have selected these for specific reasons mentioned therein.

International Sikh Martial Art Academy

This Academy was constituted on 6 May 2007 at Patiala as an epic Gatka organisation. Its main purpose was to promote, popularize and standardize Gatka as a recognised game at National and International level. It also aimed at setting up Gatka training centres beginning with a residential Gatka Training and Research Academy at SAS Nagar, Punjab to provide best training, scientific research and academic facilities to the Gatkabaz (Gatka players). It compiled an International Gatka Rules Book in 2017 and has organised so far a number of training camps, Gataka seminars and workshops in different places to train the budding players. It has published literature on Gatka history and has a plan to compile an International Directory of all Gatka Akharas and Gatka Training Centres running across the globe which will serve as a first ever reference book. Further it has planned to upgrade and modernize the playing and management of Gatka tournaments by infusing latest information technology Technique gazettes and other infrastructure facilities so that the Gatka players with the modernized knowledge may demonstrate entry of Gatka at international competitions. The academy calls for Registration to all the Akharas so that they may all be linked together and take the benefit of the latest knowledge in this regard. The Email and the contact no. of the academy are ISMAAcademyChd@gmail.com, +91-98145-73800.

Bir Khalsa Gatka Dal, Taran Taran

This group of Gatka trainees at Taran Taran became news several times. Firstly, when they participated in a T.V. programme (India’s Got Talent) and won 3rd position in that competition. Further the team was invited to participate in Germany’s Got Talent and the team went there to perform. The team is also unique in the sense that it has featured in the Gunnies World Records thrice and is often invited to perform gatka during religious processions in many countries. “Gatka is the traditional art initiated by the Gurus to create Sikh ‘sipahis’ (soldiers), who could fight against those committing atrocities against the humanity. They are making efforts to retain this rich tradition among the youth and popularize Gatka at international level,” said team captain Kanwaljit Singh, before leaving for Germany.

Kanwaljit Singh, 33, said he started performing gatka when he was 7 year old. “It is because of our hard work that we have participated in many international competitions, and with blessings of the God, our team has qualified for the contest being held in Germany. Though the completion will be very tough, we hope to return victorious,” he said.

Bir Khalsa Gatka Dal wants to further promote the traditional martial art among youths in the district, which is battling drug menace. A number of local personalities gave a warm farewell to the team by presenting ‘siropas’ to the captain and members Gagandeep Singh, Harpreet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Balwant Singh, Karamjit Singh, Gurjit Singh and Jasmeet Singh, who at 17 is the youngest.

Apart from the above noted Akhara at Taran Taaran, we have a number of Akharas in Majha area, particularly Amritsar. One of the oldest Akharas is Khalsa Ranjeet Nirmal Gatka Akhara. It was started in 1946 by Jathedar Puran Singh Josh (a Sikh poet). This gatka akhara team has performed at various places in the country and abroad and has won a number of competitions. The team is now led by Jathedar Harjeet Singh Heera. Some other akharas in Punjab Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and other parts of the country are known because of their Gatka trainers, heads of those akharas. Some of the prominent Gatka trainers in different cities along with their contact no. are tabulated hereunder for reference and communication.

Gatka Akharas in UK

A big number of Gatka Akharas are there in foreign countries also. For example, in U.K., Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara was founded by Jathedar Uptej Singh when he settled himself in U.K. During the last 20 years this Akhara has been gaining popularity and now there are five Gatka centres giving training at different places in U.K. Apart from Uptej Singh (07727287222), now there are other Gatka instructors also in this team which include S. Amarjit Singh Walia (07930460201), S. Harman Singh (07950485169), S. Baljit Singh Walia (07973807518) and S. Gurudev Singh (077742424468). They are the instructor at Layton, Hounslow, Gravesend, Goodmayes and Bow centres. This Gatka Akhara has won a number of awards and appreciations. When the annual tournament was organised during this year in September 2018 by U.K. Gatka Federation, Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend got first position in the Men’s above 18 year category. It may be added that U.K. Gatka Federation has been organising this competition since 2012 and the competition in 2018 was their 6th Annual event. If we look at the detailed report of this competition, we will not only realize its importance, but will also get information regarding various Akharas actively participating in this important event. This tournament held under the leadership of M.P. and President of U.K. Gatka Federation Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi in which teams from 12 Gatka Akharas belonging to Leyton, Woolwich, Gravesend, Slough, Derby, Willenhall, Smethwick, Southall, Manchester, and Darlington participated in this championship. Mayor of Salough, Harmohinder Singh Sohal and President of National Gatka Association of India, Harjeet Singh Grewal distributed the prizes to winning teams and were awarded with cash prize of 12,000 pounds.

Gatka Tournament in UK

Giving details Dhesi said, Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara, Gravesend got first position in the men’s above 18 years age category whereas Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara, Derby got second position. Similarly, Sandeep Kaur from Darlington got first position and Updesh Kaur from Darby came second in the individual woman’s above 18 years age category.

He further informed that Guru Hargobind Sahib Gatka Akhara, Smetwik (team A) came first whereas Akal Sahai Gatka Akhara, Southall (Team B) got second position. In women’s under 17 years age category Jeevan Kaur from Damdami Taksaal Gatka Akhara, Derby won the women’s individual category whereas Komalpreet Kaur from Akal Sahai Gatka Akhara, Southhall came second.

Dhesi further said, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Gatka Akhara, Darby (Team B) came first place whereas Team A from this Akhara remained second in the men’s under 14 years age category. Gurleen Kaur from Damdami Taksaal Gatka Akhara, came first whereas Navjit Kaur from Akal Sahai Gatka Akhara, Southall came second in women’s under 14 years age individual category.

On this occasion, Gatka promoter Harjeet Singh Grewal presented honour to Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi from World Gatka Federation and International Sikh Martial Art Academy. Known singer Mangi Mahal enthralled the audience with his songs.

Amongst others present on the occasion included Secretary UK Gatka Federation Harman Singh, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Slough President Joginder Singh, Ramgharia Gurudwara Slough president Harjinder Singh Gahir, President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Gurmail Singh Malhi, Kewal Singh Randhawa, Sukhdev Singh Sokha Udopur, Sarabjit Singh Virk, Balhahar Singh, Lakha Singh, Sodhi Fateh Saffolding, Tejinder Singh Sekhon, Shaminder Singh Dhaliwal, Sarabjit Singh Grewal, Sadhu Singh Jogi, Prabhjot Singh Bittu Mohi.

Different Types of Gatka Tournaments

Most of the Akharas in India and abroad often organize competitions among themselves. The district level organizations also organized competitions among various Akhara Trainees. Similarly, state level and national level competitions are also organized by the federations/associations made for this purpose. When Punjab University was at Lahore (now at Chandigarh), it has been organizing inter college and inter varsity Gatka Tournaments. However, in 1985, when Punjab University stopped this practice, Punjabi University Patiala initiated such tournaments and since 2011, it has been organizing inter college gatka competitions. Further, Punjabi University Patiala has also become the first University in the world which has started a diploma in Gatka coaching. This course started in 2014-15 teaches theory as well as gives practical training based upon the Gatka rule and regulations framed by the Gatka Federation of India. Gatka Federation of India and Punjab Gatka Association have also organized such competitions as ‘Virsa Sambhal Events’.

The various Gatka Competitions at different levels are conducted on age classification basis that is Junior Level, Senior Level and even for senior citizens. The Federations mention above organise, Asian Gatka Championship, Commonwealth Gatka Championship and World Gatka Championship. Although, the numbers of Gatka Tournaments/championships are organized in big number at various places over the globe, we will mentioned for the purpose of illustrations two Gatka Competitions of India and three in foreign countries. One of these competitions in UK has already been discussed above. The remaining competitions are mentioned hereunder.

Ek Onkar Charitable Trust Seechewal Competition

We will mention here a national level Gatka competition which is organised by Ek Onkar Charitable Trust. This organisation is based at Seechewal also organises a Gatka Competition on National Level. In the 7th competition of this organization held in May 2018 at Seechewal Ground, teams from Punjab, Delhi, UP, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttrakhand, J&K, Haryana and Gujrat participated. Girl teams also took part in these events. Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal inaugurated this competition which was organized by the trust with the joint collaboration of Gatka Federation of India.

Virsa Sambhal Events – Jaan Baaz Khalsa Gatka Trust Miran Sahib

Many organisations in India organise Gatka competition calls Virsa Sambhal Events. These includes Gatka Federation of India and Punjab Gatka Association. One of the organisations known as Jaan Baaz Khalsa Gatka Trust Miran Sahib, based in J&K also organises Virsa Sambhal Gatka competition every year. It was the 7th such competition which was organise this year in May 2018. As this organization is based in J&K State, different team from this state participate in this competition. The organizers stated that the main vision to organize this competition (2018) was to spread awareness among the youth especially girls about Sikh martial arts so as to defend themselves, the organizers said adding that the main purpose of the competition was to keep away the youth from drug abuse. In this competition 10 teams from Mirab Sahib, Phinder, Preetnagar, Simbal, Dablehar, Chowalla, Sunderbani, Bathuni (Rajouri), Badali Rakh (Udhampur) and Chatha took part. The overall winner of the competition was Miran Sahib Team whereas first runner-up was Simbal and second runner-up was Sunderbani Team.

Gatka Competitions Abroad

Gatka competitions of different types are also very popular in USA, Canada, U.K. and Australia. In USA a Nihang Sikh, Bhai Nanak Dev Singh, an American who converted to Sikhi under the influence of Yogi Harbhajan Singh has written and published a book in English called ‘Gatka’ which teaches the basics of this art. A significant Gatka Tournament known as Yudh Gatka Tournament is held every year on world level. The 16th annual international Yudh Gatka Tournament was held in Richmond Hill, Newyork on 5th August. This competition held three different types of categories which then had their own separate age groups. The participants including girls had come from across the world including France and Italy for the first time. The competitors displayed their skill by using Chakar/Jaal, double Kirpan spinning and Farhi Sotithey performed with agility, speed, goodwill and by showing respect to each other with utmost humility. When asked what he thinks about the tournaments, Jarnail Singh, 20, replied, “This is a program I have attended for five years and this was another shock to me at the turnout of the sangat. I was also happy to see the city NYPD attending the event and supporting the sporting event.”

Miri Piri Academy Gatka Tournament

Miri Piri Academy Gatka tournament which was started in 2016 also presents a great Gatka show as a large number of teams from U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Canada participate in this tournament. When the second tournament was held in August 2017, more than 20 teams with 200 participants descended on New West Minister for this two day event hosted by Gurdwara Sukh Sagar in New West Minister. The teams were categorized on age basis. There were separate teams for girls who were from Mata Sahib Kaur Gatka Akhara, Surrey, Gurdwara Sukh Sagar New West Minister Gatka Akhara and Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Gatka Team Surrey.

In the end, it should also be mentioned that a World Gatka League has been planned to be organised by India Gatka Federation in association with Indian Sikh Culture Initiative (powered by Media Partners Saadda Haq). Its mission is to ensure that Gatka becomes an Olympic game in near future. In conclusion, we can say that looking at the popularity of this sport, and the efforts made by various organizations to take it to the Olympics, the day is not far when gatka will become an Olympic sport and many gatka players will achieve fame as Olympians.

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