Srinagar, October 06, 2026: The 10th Senior National Men & Women Gatka Championship concluded in Srinagar after bringing together over 700 players from 24 states, along with coaches, referees and officials, for a three-day celebration of India’s traditional martial art of Gatka.
Organised by the J&K Gatka Association at the prestigious Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Stadium, the championship provided a national platform for senior men and women athletes to compete at the highest level while demonstrating their skill, discipline and competitive spirit.
The successful hosting of the championship further strengthened Jammu & Kashmir’s position as an emerging destination for major sporting events and highlighted the region’s growing contribution to the development and promotion of Gatka.
Ajaz Bhat, SSP Traffic, Srinagar was the chief guest of the event, while Ms Monika Dhami, Principal COmmissioner of Income Tax, J&K, was the Guest of Honour.
Baljinder Singh Toor, General Secretary, Gatka Federation of India, said: “The successful conclusion of the 10th Senior National Men & Women Gatka Championship in Srinagar marks an important milestone for Gatka and for the athletes who participated from 24 states. The championship reflected the growing popularity and competitive strength of the sport across India. We are particularly pleased with the manner in which the athletes displayed discipline, determination and sporting excellence throughout the event. Hosting the championship in Srinagar has also given greater visibility to Gatka in Jammu & Kashmir and created an important platform for strengthening the sport at the national level.”
The championship also built on the J&K Gatka Association’s ongoing efforts to develop the sport’s ecosystem in the region. Srinagar recently hosted a National Referee Seminar, which brought together more than 100 referees and contributed to the development of qualified officials and the strengthening of standards in Gatka.
Adnan Ayoub, President, J&K Gatka Association, said: “We are immensely proud to have successfully hosted the 10th Senior National Men & Women Gatka Championship in Srinagar and welcomed athletes and officials from 24 states. The participation and enthusiasm witnessed throughout the three-day championship demonstrate the growing interest and competitive strength of Gatka across the country. For the J&K Gatka Association, this championship is not only a significant sporting achievement but also an opportunity to strengthen the sport’s foundation in Jammu & Kashmir. The National Referee Seminar and this championship together represent important steps in building a stronger ecosystem for Gatka, and we hope the momentum will encourage more young people across the region to embrace this traditional martial art.”
The three-day championship featured competitions involving senior men and women athletes from across India, with participants demonstrating technical ability, discipline and sportsmanship. The gathering of athletes, coaches, referees and officials from different parts of the country also provided a valuable platform for sporting and cultural exchange.
The successful completion of the championship reinforces the growing national footprint of Gatka and the continued efforts of the Gatka Federation of India and affiliated state associations to promote the sport, strengthen competitive opportunities and encourage greater participation among young athletes.
