Mohali :
In a significant step towards institutionalising India’s traditional martial art Gatka, NIILM University, Kaithal, and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) have entered into a strategic partnership to promote and develop Gatka as a recognised competitive sport.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Sandeep Chahal, Chairman of NIILM University, and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice President of NGAI, representing NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal. The signing ceremony was attended by University Director (Sports) Davinder Dhull and Narender Pal Singh, Joint Secretary of the Haryanvi Gatka Association, indicating strong regional support for the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, NIILM University Chairman Amit Chahal said the collaboration would create new opportunities for students, athletes and researchers by integrating Gatka into organised sports and academic frameworks. He added that the university would align with the rules of the World Gatka Federation, further strengthening Haryana’s contribution to the promotion of indigenous sports.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal described the MoU as a strategic initiative to embed Gatka training, competitions and academic study within the university ecosystem. Under the agreement, NIILM University will provide modern sports infrastructure and institutional support, while NGAI will contribute technical expertise, certified coaches and officials, and assist in organising national-level training programmes and competitions.
Grewal further stated that the partnership envisions structured talent identification, capacity building of technical officials and extensive promotion of Gatka through both academic and sporting platforms.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, General Secretary of the Haryanvi Gatka Association, said the collaboration reflects the growing recognition of Gatka as both a traditional martial art and a modern competitive sport. He emphasised that universities play a vital role in preserving indigenous sports while giving them contemporary relevance.
The partnership marks a landmark effort to elevate Gatka from cultural showcases to the mainstream competitive sports arena at the national level.
