Bihar's Gatka Triumph: A Testament to Indigenous Sporting Spirit

In an inspiring display of dedication to indigenous sports, Bihar's middle-school teacher Ravi Roshan took his students to the IIM Campus to witness the Gatka competition during the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. His efforts bore fruit as the students collectively achieved a silver and four bronze medals, cementing Bihar's burgeoning presence in traditional athletic disciplines.

Anshu secured a silver in the Girls Single Soti, trailing Punjab's Tamanna, while Akash Kumar Sharma, Komal Jain, and the boys and girls Farri Soti teams contributed to the medal tally. This accomplishment not only highlights Bihar's commitment to sports diversity but also the expanding influence of traditional martial arts, like Gatka, originally from Punjab.

Jainab Parveen, an eighth-grade student, encapsulated the sentiment by expressing her newfound enthusiasm for Gatka. The spectacle energized both students and spectators, highlighting the sport's appeal across regions. Furthermore, the support from the Central Government underscores the significance of promoting traditional sports, with Gatka deeply rooted in Sikh heritage.

(With inputs from agencies.)