||Black and White Digital News ||

||October 16,2024 ||

The Valley Gatka Association has officially unveiled the poster for Kashmir’s inaugural Inter-District Gatka Tournament, scheduled to take place from October 18th to 20th, 2024, at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Complex, Wazir Bagh, Srinagar. The unveiling ceremony, which brought together members of the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (GPC)and key organizers, marks a significant step toward promoting traditional sports in the region.

Event Announcement and Significance of Gatka:

During the event,Sardar Gurdeep Singh, a member of the tournament’s organizing committee, spoke about the importance of Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art. He highlighted how Gatka not only cultivates discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense but also preserves Sikh culture and heritage, especially among the youth of Kashmir. According to Singh, the tournament provides a platform for young athletes to connect with their cultural roots while fostering unity and sportsmanship** across communities.

GPC Leaders on the Importance of Cultural Preservation:

Speaking at the ceremony,Gurjeet Singh Kingi, President of GPC Budgam, praised the Valley Gatka Association for organizing the tournament, emphasizing the role of such events in reviving and maintaining cultural traditions. He noted that the competition is not only a contest of martial prowess but also a celebration of heritage and communal spirit.

Similarly, Gurmeet Singh, Cashier of GPC Srinagar , underscored the relevance of Gatka in teaching values like bravery, resilience, and discipline. He encouraged community participation, urging the public to support the tournament and rally behind efforts to promote traditional sports in the Valley.

Event Expectations and Regional Impact:

The Inter-District Gatka Tournament is set to attract athletes from multiple districts across Kashmir, with a variety of competitions showcasing the skills, techniques, and artistry of Gatka practitioners. Organizers aim to make the event a cornerstone for martial arts development in the region, creating new opportunities for local youth to engage with their heritage and explore traditional forms of self-defense.

A Call for Participation and Support :

The Valley Gatka Association invites the public and cultural enthusiasts to attend the tournament, which promises a vibrant celebration of strength, unity, and tradition. The organizers hope the event will inspire more young people to take up Gatka and contribute to the preservation of Kashmir’s diverse cultural landscape.

The tournament’s success could serve as a springboard for future initiatives in promoting traditional martial arts across Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging both community participation and cultural awareness in the years to come.