The World Gatka Federation has announced that the inaugural International Virsa Sambhal Gatka Championship will be held at Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in Euless, Texas, on September 12.
The day-long competition is expected to feature Gatka practitioners in several age divisions. The under-14 programme will include exhibition contests and Single-Soti events, while competitors in the 17, 21 and 25 age groups are scheduled to participate in separate Singh and Kaur divisions.
Organizers say certified referees and judges will supervise the matches under the federation’s published competition rules. A day before the championship, an international refresher course will be conducted for referees, judges and other officials. The September 11 training programme is intended to improve technical proficiency and encourage consistent officiating standards.
Gatka is a traditional Sikh martial art incorporating weapons-based techniques, disciplined movement and demonstrations of combat skills. The Texas event is being presented as an effort to increase its international visibility while giving younger members of the Sikh diaspora a structured platform for training and competition.
The championship remains a scheduled event; participation numbers and final results will only be known after it takes place.
