In Haryana, 'Usha Gatka Championship' Is Reviving The Lost Form Of Self-Defence

Usha Play and Usha Social Services in collaboration with Seva Trust UK are breathing life into forgotten sports like Gatka. And on this journey of collaboration and revival of long-lost sports activities are the incredible Usha women, leading the movement. The women of Usha Silai School stand by children, participating in the juniors and senior categories, organising, promoting, and participating in these traditional long-lost rural sports events.

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“Usha has been supporting local and traditional sports in this manner for the past two to three years,” said Mohanlal, Program Coordinator at Usha Silai School in Haryana. He added,

Usha believes that the youth in the village should engage with sports that are no longer being played or are dying out, and help promote and revive them.

Stick fighting, or "Gatka," is a combat sport involving two or more participants and wooden sticks called "Soti" that are meant to resemble swords. It was one of the fundamental methods of self-defense used by Sikh warriors during the martial era of the great Sikh Gurus. The sport involves a series of moves that combine offensive and defensive abilities with a footwork pattern.

We drive to Haryana, where Usha Gatka Championship 2023 is underway. Sharing details of the competition, Mohanlal said,

The women came from different villages. The Gatka sports event was extensively shared and discussed with them. They were actively included in the planning process. As a result, what you are seeing today, is a grand event where 12 teams have come from a different village. The 24 Silai school teachers served as the mentors and coordinators for the teams and were involved in the entire process. They provided support and encouragement during the event. They were cheering for their teams to win.

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Traditional sports are more than just forms of physical activity. They are windows into cultures, ceremonies, and time-honored traditions. A vibrant playground where heritage meets competition. One such sport is Gatka, a martial art form.

Neeraj Rani, a Usha Silai School teacher from Ambala believes that children must be involved in sporting activities. She said,

In today's world, children are glued all day to the TV or the phone. Sports keep the child safe from illness and disease. Usha is making a significant contribution for women and children as sports is good for them.

And these remarkable women from the Usha Silai School are not just bystanders; they are active participants in these rural sports events. With their determination and skill, they are breaking barriers for themselves and future generations.

Talking about the impact of the Gatka Championship on children, Pawan Prashar, State Coordinator, Seva Trust UK said,

The Gatka programme organised by Usha Play is of great significance for this region, where the Sikh community lives. Guru Gobind Singh started the Gatka form which was taught back then for self-defence. To make Gatka popular, we need to organise multiple smaller events on the ground level and then on a larger scale to motivate children. These events will energise children, engage them physically and mentally and also provide them with opportunities. Playing sports will also keep them away from substance use.

Thanks to visionary leaders in Usha and the remarkable women of Usha Silai School, these traditional games are finding their rightful place back in society. Together, they are keen on bringing back the glory of the long-lost sports and empowering women across rural India.

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