-Regular Training Essential for Fair Play, Says Kalsani
-Global Expansion Plans Underway for Gatka, Announces Phool Raj Singh
Chandigarh, December 14 (Sports Desk)
The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course kicked off at Gurdwara Babe Ke in Chandigarh, drawing technical officials from across multiple states for a three-day intensive program focused on enhancing skills and standardizing officiating practices nationwide.
The course features a mix of theoretical sessions, practical demonstrations, and evaluations covering key areas such as competition planning, scoring standards, foul assessment, tournament discipline, and field-of-play management. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to refine their decision-making abilities during live bouts.
In his address at the inauguration, World Gatka Federation (WGF) President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, who also heads the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), announced the introduction of a ‘Black Card’ as a new fourth category of foul in the international Gatka rules. This card will be issued for unruly, indisciplined, or inappropriate behavior, aiming to uphold the dignity of officials, ensure smooth conduct of matches, and maintain player discipline.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, stressed the importance of continuous capacity-building to preserve fairness and integrity in the sport. Hardeep Singh Butrela, President of the Gatka Association of Chandigarh and a Municipal Councillor, added that such structured courses enhance officials’ expertise and promote uniformity as Gatka grows rapidly.
Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the WGF’s International Affairs Directorate, outlined ambitious plans for global expansion, including the formation of national Gatka federations in several countries, advanced training for overseas referees and judges, and increased international tournaments to elevate Gatka’s profile worldwide.
watch…..Nationwide Initiative by NGAI to Improve Gatka Officiating
The program continues over the weekend with specialized workshops, mock bouts, and assessments to certify officials for national and international duties.
Also present were Harjinder Kumar (General Secretary, NGAI), Baljit Singh Saini (Joint Secretary, Gatka Association of Punjab), National Coordinator Harsimran Singh, State Coordinator Sherry Singh, senior referee Narinderpal Singh, Joint Secretary of Haryana Gatka Association Narinderpal Singh, and Shiv Kumar.
