Shri Anandpur Sahib/Rupnagar March 26, 2024 : The holy festival of Hola Mahalla fills Sikhs with new enthusiasm and zeal to fight against oppression, embrace devotion, strength, and uphold high human values. In today’s era, Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art, emerges as a better, easier, and more affordable option for self-defense, particularly for girls, providing athletes with the opportunity to lead a healthy and fearless life.

Harjeet Singh Grewal made this revelation

This revelation was made by Harjeet Singh Grewal, Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Arts Council (ISMAC) and Joint Director of the Public Relations Department, Punjab, during the inauguration of the 10th Virsa Sambhal Hola Mahalla Gatka Cup-2024 organized on the occasion of the historic national festival of Khalsa, Hola Mahalla, held in Shri Anandpur Sahib. Also present at the event were Baba Sher Singh Chak Mahorana, Vice President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, and Senior Vice President of the Gatka Association Punjab (GAP), Sarabjit Singh Ludhiana.

Sikh Martial Arts Series Inspires Youth to Reconnect with Heritage

Addressing the event, Sukhchain Singh Kalsani praised the ISMAC for initiating the ‘Virsa Sambhal Martial Arts Series’ and stated that in a time when today’s youth are forgetting Sikh values and heritage, events like the Hola Mahalla festival and such  competitions inspire them to reconnect with their rich traditions.

In his address, Sarabjit Singh Ludhiana said with the support of the International Sikh Martial Arts Academy (ISMAA) and the Global Sikh Council, this Sikh martial art and warrior sport ‘competition concluded with great Khalsa fervor, where top teams from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh participated, showcasing martial arts prowess with swords, shields, spears, lances, staffs, and chakras, mesmerizing the audience. He revealed that this tradition of virsa sambhal Sikh martial art and  competitions will continue across the country.

Competition Promotes Heritage and Healthy Living

Rupnagar District President, Bibi Manjit Kaur, informed that the main objective of organizing this traditional martial art competition is to keep the youth away from drugs and evils, promote healthy living, and connect them with heritage and traditions. She appealed to all the Sikhs to embrace their rich heritage and become proficient in martial arts.

Symbolizing the honor, valor, and pride of Khalsa during the event, a total of 10 top teams from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh participated in this  competition.  performers from Khalsa Gatka Academy Haryana, National Kalgidhar Gatka Akhara Bhambri, Fatehgarh Sahib, Baba Jivan Singh Gatka Akhara Morinda, Rupnagar, Pratham Sahay Gatka Akhara Ludhiana, Meeri-Peeri Gatka Akhara Ghanauli, Rupnagar, Baba Jorawar Singh Ji Baba Fateh Singh Ji Gatka Akhara Samrala, Baba Shadi Singh Gatka Akhara Bajidpur, Rupnagar, Amar Shaheed Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara Radiala, Mohali, Akal Purakh Ki Fauj Gatka Akhara Rupnagar, Shaheed Singh Gatka Akhara Navan Shahar, Amar Shaheed Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji International Gatka Akhara Tiyod, Mohali, displayed their martial arts skills.

Various Dignitaries Attend Event

Apart from others, ISMAA Financial Secretary Baljeet Singh Saini, National Coordinator Yograj Singh, Baljeet Singh Bali Batala, District Rupnagar Association Secretary Gurvinder Singh Kaku, Finance Secretary Jaspreet Singh, Head of Baj Khalasa Akhara Gurpreet Singh Ropar, Sarabjit Singh Anandpur Sahib, Ravinder Pal Singh Chandigarh Association, Jasbir Singh Jassi Batala, Santokh Singh Anandpur were also present at the event.