Punjab: State gatka c'ship begins; Speaker Kultar Sandhwan inaugurates ceremony

Chandigarh, November 24: The two-day 7th Punjab State Gatka Championship, organised by the Punjab Gatka Association under the leadership of Gatka Federation of India, began on Thursday at Ratwada Sahib in New Chandigarh.

Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwan officially inaugurated the event. Meanwhile, Baba Lakhveer Singh, Chairman of Ratwada Sahib Trust was also present on this occasion to give his blessings.

Speaker Kultar Sandhwa stated on the occasion that "Gatka is a priceless gift from our Gurus. This not only keeps the youngsters away from drugs and linked with Bani, but it also helps to discipline the players."

"I am inviting the children playing Gatka to see the Punjab Vidhan Sabha" Sandhwa said.

He went on to say that he hopes that through this game, these children will always be connected to Guru Sahib's words.

He expressed his appreciation for the Punjab Gatka Association's valuable initiative on the occasion, saying, "It is a valuable effort to connect the future with the golden history."

Sandhwan also announced a Rs 2 lakh charity to the association.

Also Read: Delhi air quality 'moderate' with AQI recorded at 193

During this, Shri Ratwada Sahib Trust Chairman Baba Lakhveer Singh Ji blessed the children and stated that this place is always available for such pious work.

He addressed all of the children who had come from every district in Punjab, saying, "The community gets destroyed which forgets its heritage.  But today it is a matter of happiness that a large number of children in Khalsa form have come to play Gatka."

He further added, "these children are always attached to the words of their Guru."  

"Shastra Vidya has always proved helpful in keeping children away from drugs."

On this occasion, Baba Lakhveer Singh also announced a donation of 2 lakh rupees to the Punjab Gatka Association.

Earlier, Dr Rajinder Singh Sohal, President of the Punjab Gatka Association, encouraged and motivated the players to play fiercely, and wished them well.

Harcharan Singh Bhullar IPS, President of Gatka Federation of India, expressed gratitude to Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Baba Lakhveer Singh on this occasion.

Notably, junior and senior teams from all of Punjab's districts are competing in this two-day championship.

Baljinder Singh Toor, General Secretary of the Gatka Federation of India, Davinder Singh Jugni, Vice President of the Punjab Gatka Association, Kuldeep Singh, Finance Secretary of the Jagdish Singh Kurali, Uttam Kumar, GM of the Verka Milk Plant, Jagkiran Kaur Waraich, Joint Secretary of the Harjinder Singh Mohali, and a large number of dignitaries were present.

 Also Read: WHO plans to rename monkeypox to 'MPOX'