National Gatka Refresher Course concludes with written exam as NGAI makes certification mandatory for officiating at national competitions.

The National Gatka Refresher Course concluded successfully with the administration of a written examination by the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), representing a significant advancement in the professionalization of officiating standards in the traditional martial art. The examination served as the foundation for the evaluation and certification of Gatka officials, a procedure that will now ascertain their qualification to officiate at national-level competitions.

Addressing the assembly at the valedictory session, NGAI President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal stated that the certification initiative was designed to promote consistent interpretation of rules, enhance technical proficiency, and uphold discipline and impartiality throughout the tournaments. “Only certified referees and judges, evaluated through comprehensive theoretical and practical assessments, will henceforth be authorized to officiate at national championships and major events,” he added.

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Gatka promoter Grewal stated that the remedial course and examination are integral components of a comprehensive long-term strategy to elevate Gatka officiating to international standards. He announced that the upcoming National Gatka Refresher Course will be held in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, in January, in collaboration with the New Gatka Sports Association Chhattisgarh. Grewal further disclosed that analogous Gatka programs would be implemented in various regions across the country to expand the cadre of trained and certified officials.
In a subsequent significant announcement, Grewal conveyed that the revised fifth edition of the World Gatka Federation International Rules Book would be issued soon. The revised edition, he stated, incorporates recent reforms and practical insights derived from both national and international competitions, and will function as the definitive reference for participants, officials, and organizers.

Participants from various states commended the initiative, characterizing the course as an exceptional and valuable educational opportunity. Aman Singh of Chhattisgarh, Pandurang Ambhure from Maharashtra, Gurwinder Singh Ghanouli of Punjab, and Harnam Singh from Haryana stated that the combination of comprehensive theoretical instruction and practical, hands-on sessions had markedly improved their comprehension of officiating protocols, competition management, and decision-making on the field.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, stated that the NGAI has indicated a definitive move towards organized governance, accountability, and professionalism within Gatka, thereby laying the foundation for more disciplined and internationally coordinated competitions in the coming years.

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Harjinder Kumar, NGAI General Secretary, and Baljit Singh, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, collectively emphasized the importance of ongoing capacity development to maintain alignment with Gatka’s expanding national and international presence.