The traditional martial art of Punjab, Gatka is poised to get a significant boost nationwide as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially included this sport in the 37th National Games 2023, scheduled to be held in Goa in October, the game promoters said on Monday.
Gatka as a modern sporting discipline is a standardised style of stick fighting between two or more opponents.
During the National Games, the IOA, in collaboration with the government of Goa, would organise competitions for 43 disciplines.
Elated over the development, Harjeet Singh Grewal, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) President, expressed his gratitude to the IOA President P.T. Usha as well as the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) Chairman, Amitabh Sharma, member Bhupiner Singh Bajwa and others, for including the martial art Gatka in the national games for the first time.
Grewal told IANS: "We have long yearned for due recognition of this game by the IOA. Recently, a high-level meeting was held with IOA and GTCC office-bearers in New Delhi to acknowledge this game and include it in the upcoming national games."
He said although the NGAI has been promoting this sport through its affiliated state associations in 22 states, this decision would certainly prove to be a significant step in the overall development of Gatka across the country.
He said preparations are underway for participation in the national games.
Vince raced to 102 off 95 deliveries and Gregory struck his 77 of 69 balls as hosts England, chasing Pakistan's challenging score of 331 for seven wickets, reached 332 for seven with two overs to spare.
Opening up about the lessons she has learnt from our doctors and healthcare workers, popular sports personality Sania Mirza shared, "While this has been a time of uncertainty, it has surely been a time of learning and reflection for me. Our doctors and healthcare workers have taught me how care is the essence of humanity, and how it will help us rise above the challenges we face.
The ceremony will take place outdoors on the Hall's lawn as a ticketed event with a limit on crowd size, the Hall said Wednesday. Tickets will be available starting July 12.
Former India hockey player Usman Khan has passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer, Hockey India announced on Friday. The stylish left-winger was 76. Khan is survived by three sons and a daughter, and was based in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh.
Legendary athlete Milkha Singh, who was on Thursday admitted to a local hospital after he complained of a low oxygen level, is stable and is being monitored by a team of medical experts, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) said on Friday.
