- Title: Sikh martial arts championship held in India to promote traditional sports
- Date: 29th August 2021
- Summary: JAMMU, JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA (AUGUST 29, 2021) (ANI - NO USE INDIA) ***WARNING: CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF PEOPLE GATHERED AT TRADITIONAL SIKH MARTIAL ARTS, 'GATKA' COMPETITION JUDGES SEATED MATCH COMMENCING MARTIAL ARTS PARTICIPANTS SEEN IN ACTION THROUGH TROPHIES 'GATKA' PARTICIPANTS IN ACTION AUDIENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MARTIAL ARTS PARTICIPANT, SUCHINTAR SINGH, SAYING: "It (Gatka) should also become a part of the mainstream sports. It is an indigenous sport to India. It was initiated by our holy Guru for the defence of India. If India doesn't promote it, then who will? All these games which are international now, like fencing are a part of martial arts but 'Gatka', the originator of such sports is lagging behind." PARTICIPANTS IN ACTION PEOPLE WATCHING VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS IN ACTION AUDIENCE CHEERING (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) VICE PRESIDENT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR GATKA ASSOCIATION, JITINDER SINGH, SAYING: "Martial arts is such an amazing art that it draws you away from social evils like drugs or social media addiction. You will start associating with your religion. We started this championship with this thought in mind so that children interact and associate with it more. It will also help them in associating with their religious teachings." VARIOUS OF EVENT IN PROGRESS PEOPLE SEATED VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS IN ACTION EVENT IN PROGRESS
- Embargoed: 12th September 2021 12:17
- Keywords: Gatka India Jammu and Kashmir Sikh competition martial arts sports
- Location: JAMMU, JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA
- City: JAMMU, JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA
- Country: India
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001ESC01N3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:A local Sikh martial arts association organised a state-level championship of their traditional war game, called 'Gatka' on Sunday (August 29) in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir territory, to promote the sport among youth.
'Gatka' a traditional form of martial arts originated back in the 15th century by Sikh religious leaders during the peak of their resistance battle against invading forces. Since then, it has now toned down to the usage of sticks and sparring swords.
The practitioners of the sport said that the government should promote the sport like other forms of martial arts like Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and help in getting fame for it at an international level. They also believe that practicing such martial arts also keeps one away from social evils like drug addiction.
The 'Gatka' Association also aims at organising a world championship for the sport. The Indian government recognised it as a national sport in the year 2016. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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