National Gatka Refresher Course begins in Chandigarh; WGF introduces ‘Black Card’ to curb player misconduct
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 14, 2025:The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke in Chandigarh, bringing together technical officials from various states for a three-day intensive capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening and standardising officiating practices across the country.
The course includes detailed theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations focusing on competition planning, scoring systems, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Experts conducted hands-on modules throughout the day to enhance officials’ on-ground decision-making and consistency.
Addressing the inaugural session, World Gatka Federation (WGF) President Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a major step towards reinforcing discipline in the sport. Grewal, who also serves as President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), revealed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul-category card in the international Gatka rulebook.
“This measure is aimed at upholding the dignity of technical officials, ensuring the smooth conduct of bouts and maintaining discipline among players. The Black Card will be issued in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unethical behaviour during competitions,” he said.
Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Vice Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, underlined the importance of regular refresher programmes, stating that continuous capacity-building is essential to ensure fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka.
President of the Gatka Association of Chandigarh and Municipal Councillor Hardeep Singh Butrela noted that structured refresher courses not only sharpen the skills of officials but also help maintain uniform standards as the sport continues to grow rapidly.
Sharing an international outlook, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, outlined the WGF’s plans to expand Gatka globally. He informed that national Gatka federations would soon be formed in several countries, along with advanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that more international-level tournaments are planned in the coming years to strengthen Gatka’s global footprint.
The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments aimed at preparing certified officials for national and international assignments.
Among those present were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary, National Gatka Association; Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary, Gatka Association of Punjab; National Coordinator Harsimran Singh; State Coordinator Sherry Singh; senior referee Narinderpal Singh; Narinderpal Singh, Joint Secretary, Haryana Gatka Association; and Shiv Kumar.