Early Times Report
DHAMTAN SAHIB (KHANOURI), Mar 5: On the sacred occasion of Hola-Mohalla, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGMC) organized Sikh martial arts competitions at the historic Gurdwara Dhamtan Sahib. The event commenced with an Ardas (Prayer) performed by Giani Joginder Singh, the Granthi of Gurdwara Sahib.
The event was attended by the distinguished dignitaries including Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa, Member HSGMC from Tohana constituency, Advocate Sardar Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of World Gatka Federation and Chairman of International Sikh Martial Art Academy (ISMAA), Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, General Secretary, Haryanvi Gatka Association, Dildeep Singh, Vice President, International Sikh Martial Art Council, Harsimran Singh, Coordinator, National Gatka Association of India, Sherry Singh, Coordinator, Gatka Association of Punjab and Pradeep Singh, National Gatka Coach, National Gatka Association of India.
Addressing the gathering Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa stated that the HSGMC celebrates the sacred festival of Hola-Mohalla on a grand scale at this historic Gurdwara. The celebrations include demonstrations of traditional Sikh martial art and the organization of a Kesari (saffron) turban langar to promote awareness about Sikh religion, its history and culture in the region. He added that the primary objective of this initiative is to promote physical fitness, self-defence, discipline and team spirit among the youth while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Sikhs. In addition, a free medical facility and health check-up camp were organized to serve the large number of devotees paying obeisance.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal thanked the large crowd of devotees that gathered to witness the thrilling and awe-inspiring feats performed by Gatka players. Gatka promoter Grewal highlighted that over the past two decades this historic sport has achieved remarkable milestones in all the national level games and has been officially included among the country's recognized sports. "Efforts are also underway to expand it internationally", he added.
"World Gatka Federation aims to see this sport included in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics," Grewal mentioned, emphasizing the ongoing international expansion of the discipline.
The event also saw participation from various local leaders and heads of regional Khap Panchayats including Chaudhary Randhir Singh of Nain Khap Panchayat and Manoj Dujan of Dhull Khap Panchayat, along with representatives of various political and social organizations. They appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by the Haryana Gurdwara Committee.
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