IMPORTANCE OF GATKA

n India whenever one thinks of sports, cricket is the only game that instantly comes to his mind. But the country has a history of producing many other sports that are played in different parts but not known to all, as it is very much restricted to a particular state or region. Since India is known for its rich cultural heritage, it has a wonderful, exclusive tradition of games, which can be played, not only by skilled sports persons, but also by every member of the family during leisure. Ancient India, even during the Vedic period, had a rich tradition of games, though mainly played for maintaining physical fitness. Hinduism has always given importance to physical perfection. And during the Vedic period and also during the period of the great epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, physical fitness was given prime importance, especially by the kings and the higher-class warriors.

The existence of the bow and arrow, the dagger, the axe and the mace found during the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjodaro confirm that during the Indus valley civilization these weapons were involved in war and hunting exercises. These weapons of war, for instance, the javelin (toran) and the discus (chakra), were frequently used in the sports arena. Women, too, excelled in sport and the art of self-defence, and were active participants in games like-fighting, quail-fighting and ram-fighting.

ven the renowned Chinese travellers Hieun-Tsang and Fa-Hien wrote of a variety of sporting activities. Swimming, sword-fighting, running, wrestling and ball games were immensely popular among the students of Nalanda and Takshashila. In Manas Olhas (1135 AD.), Someshwar has written about bharashram (weight-lifting), bharamanshram (walking). After the legends, even the Moghul history boasts about such sports, as the Mughal emperors were patrons of hunting and wrestling. A large number of regional games have been played right from many centuries in India.

The most popular traditional indigenous games that are played even today include the likes of Thoda, Khong Kangjei, Dhopkhel, Silambam, Vallamkali, Camel Race, Kite Flying, Asol Aap and Asol-Tale Aap, Cheibi Gad-Ga, Hiyang Tannaba, Inbuan, Insuknawr, Kirip, Saldu, Ke Nang Haun and Kho-Kho. Games like these have always been a part and parcel of India`s great culture.

The long sticks used for training are laid on a ceremonial cloth sanctified by drawing a `magical` circle around it. This is followed by a parikarma i.e. circumambulation by all trainees. During the Parikarma their eyes focus on the sticks, creating a bonding.

During the entire process of this stylized duel one`s eyes are fixed on the other`s, trying to read the other`s mind and anticipate the next move, leading to immense concentration, alertness, and speed.

The Gatka Federations/Federations select participants for representing Indian national team in various international tournaments, form national tournaments, as well. The Indian traditional sports tournaments are playing a vital role for the preservation and further promotion of Indian traditional sports

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