Chandigarh: To strengthen the technical infrastructure of the game of Gatka, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the premier body of Gatka in India and recognized by the World Gatka Federation, is conducting the 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course for Referees, Judges, Coaches and Technical Officials. This three-day program of 20 hours will be held from 12th December to 14th December in Sector 53, Chandigarh, Punjab in which experts to Gatka game will give special lectures.

Emphasis on transparency in Gatka tournament

Stating this, NGAI Advocate Harjit Singh Grewal, National President, State Awardee, said that the objective of this special initiative is to further raise the standards of refereeing, judging and scoring during Gatka competitions across the country, to bring uniformity in the playing rules and to create a strong team of standardized officials so that tournaments at all levels can be successfully conducted from a technical point of view in a transparent, fair and planned manner.

Initiative to professionalize ‘umpiring and scoring’

Advocate Grewal said that the need for such courses is important for the progress and spread of Gatka game across the country. He said that this refresher course is an important part of the roadmap implemented under the mission to professionalize ‘umpiring and scoring’ in Gatka. NGAI under the leadership of World Gatka Federation. We are moving towards standardization of technical excellence which our Gatka officers will take across the world.

Skills of officers will increase through theory and practical

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, in-charge of this course and vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Arts Council and N.G.A.I. General Secretary, Harjinder Kumar said that during this three-day program, designed keeping in mind the Gatka rules, there will be theoretical and practical sessions of 6 to 8 hours daily, which are designed to enhance the knowledge of the officers and further improve their decision-making skills on the field. He informed that during this period, there will also be a written test for official grading and certification of technical officers in which successful officers will be given certificates in the closing ceremony and smart identity cards will be issued.

Main objective of this course

Describing the main objective of this course, Gatka promoter Grewal said that through such a course, the aim is to improve the umpiring skills of Gatka officials all over India, ensure uniformity in the rules of the game and create better standards of umpiring. He said that this certification program for Gatka officials is a license for umpiring and judging in future National and International Gatka Championships while it will be an essential asset for those who see a future in coaching and sports training. Grewal said that this refresher course has been designed to build a solid foundation of Gatka game. This course is not just a training program but an investment in the systematic growth of Gatka in the future. We are going to create a disciplined, capable, experienced and technically adept team of officials who will take this game forward rapidly at the national and international level.

Baljit Singh Saini, manager of this course and joint secretary of Gatka Association Punjab, said that NGAI, as the main governing body of Gatka in the country, is making efforts. It is working to keep this traditional art alive, promote it, standardize it and develop it as a competitive sport. He said that NGAI is recognized by the World Gatka Federation. The institution is committed to organizing national level championships and training courses, appointing technical officials at tournaments and promoting the development of Gatka across the country.