Mohali :
The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh, bringing together Gatka officials from several states for a three-day programme focused on upgrading technical skills and standardising officiating practices nationwide.
The course features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations covering competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also engaged in hands-on exercises to strengthen on-ground decision-making.
At the inaugural session, World Gatka Federation (WGF) President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced the introduction of a ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category in the international Gatka rules. The new measure aims to enforce discipline and will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined or unacceptable behaviour by players, reinforcing respect for officials and smooth conduct of bouts.
Emphasising the importance of regular training, Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, said continuous capacity-building is vital to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Hardeep Singh Butrela, President of the Gatka Association of Chandigarh, noted that structured refresher courses enhance officials’ proficiency and ensure uniformity as the sport expands.
Providing an international outlook, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, outlined plans to accelerate Gatka’s global growth. He said national Gatka federations would soon be formed in multiple countries, along with advanced training programmes for referees and judges, and more international-level tournaments to strengthen the sport’s global presence.
The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments to prepare officials for national and international responsibilities. Senior officials and representatives from national and state Gatka bodies were also present at the event.
