Gatka is an Indian ancient martial art associated with Sikh history and an integral part of traditional Sikh Shastar Vidiya. This self-defensive historical art developed more vigoursly after receiving patronage during the 16th century from the sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Ji
Gatka is a style of stick fighting between two or more practitioners, with wooden sticks (called Soti) intended to simulate swords. The present sports form developed in the 19th century and is being played in two sub-styles called Rasmi (traditional) and Khel (sport) from the 1920s. This great art form had almost reached the point of extinction due to some major changes that took place in the social setup during the last few centuries in India. But the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and Gatka Federation of India (GFI) have taken major initiatives to revive, standardize and recognize this ancient martial art and created a relevant niche for the promotion of Gatka game amongst other duly recognized games in India and the diaspora. The appropriate recognition, due status and development of Gatka as a game at National and International Level, is the sole objective of the sports Federations
The prescribed detailed International Rules for Gatka game have been legally and officially formulated by the Federations in joint coordination with and under the able guidance and advice of well-known Gatka masters including sports and legal luminaries and other existing martial art experts.
