Will promote ‘gatka’, says Dharamsot

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 25 

Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot today announced that the state government would take all steps to promote traditional sports in the state and make all efforts for the advancement of ‘gatka’, a traditional martial art form, in educational institutions.

He was addressing ‘gatka’ referees on the concluding ceremony of the three-day ‘gatka’ refresher camp organised by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) at Ripudaman College Nabha in collaboration with the Gatka Association Punjab. Extolling the efforts of NGAI in promotion and preservation of ‘gatka’, Dharamsot said, “This ancient game inculcates moral ethics and virtuous abilities among children, besides instilling self-defensive skills.

Elaborating historic importance of this martial art in daily life, he said ‘gatka’ had its eminence among other traditional sports and advised the students to adopt this sport to stay away from drugs because the ‘gatkabaaz’ always adhered to its principles and ideologies.

Addressing the gathering, Inspector General Police, Patiala Range, AS Rai spoke about the importance of ‘gatka’ in modern times and its rich inheritance. He said ‘gatka’ possessed incredible values which bonded children with our rich legacy. Assuring all support to the NGAI, he hoped that with the concerted efforts of these gatka associations, this time-tested ancient game would reach every corner of the world in the coming times.

NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal outlined the futuristic plans of the National Association and informed that more national camps and refresher courses would be conducted in other states.