Gatka, the traditional martial art, has been officially incorporated into the ancient Pythian Cultural Games. Bijender Goel, Chairman of the Pythian Council of India and Founder of the Pythian Games, announced that international Gatka competitions will be held next year in Moscow as part of the International Pythian Games, featuring teams from various countries. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the second day of the 12th National Gatka Championship at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Goel expressed support for the World Gatka Federation, Asian Gatka Federation, and National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) to promote the martial art globally.
Shantanu Agrahari, IAS, president of the Pythian Council, also spoke at the event, highlighting the vision and significance of the Pythian Games. Delhi MLA Jarnail Singh praised Gatka as a growing sport and a means of self-defense, encouraging participation. Prizes were distributed to winners. Dr. Tejinderpal Singh Nalwa, President of the Asian Gatka Federation, along with Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of NGAI, and Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Acting President, celebrated the inclusion of Gatka in the Pythian Games, adding to its presence in other national sports events.
Other dignitaries attended the event, including Kulwinder Singh, Inderjit Singh, Malkit Singh, Jaswant Singh Khalsa, and representatives from various states.
