Development of Gatka has a long story. This form of sport actually emerged from its original birthplace in the Indian state of Punjab, a region in northern India since many thousands of years. It is a sport that is defensive as well as offensive and deals with infusing physical strength with both mental and spiritual. Although the sport of Gatka, rarely used in present day situation, has been successful in retaining its popularity. It is still popular as sport and often shown during Sikh Festivals as visual spectacular. The Sikhs have actually mastered in other forms of martial arts along with Gatkebaazi weaponry and have used the skills in various battles.
The Sikhs actively used the art of Gatka in warfare for over 200 years, until they finally enjoyed peace under their own rule, free from the Mughal Empire. Since then, Gatka has been passed down the traditions as a tradition amongst the generations of Sikhs. With the emigration of Sikhs to western countries, Gatka has grown again in the minds and hearts of the new generation of Sikhs.
The Punjab Gatka Association and Gatka Federation of India (Regd.), both sports bodies, are promoting, popularizing, and managing, standardizing and reviving traditional martial art form- Gatka as a sport in the Indian state of Punjab as well as in entire country - India just like other games. It is a refreshing effort of Gatka sports association to revive a forgotten and dying art having an impressive historical significance. The Punjab Olympic Association (POA) has affiliated the Punjab Gatka Association (PGA). The Department of Education of Punjab has also introduced the game of Gatka into the various schools, colleges and universities of Punjab
The Gatka Federation of India has, for the first time, standardized and formulated the in-depth and proper Gatka Rules and Regulations in September 2009 for playing of Gatka game in a systematic, scientific and organized manner with pictorial guidelines and providing training to the budding players (locally known as Gatkebaaz) through various seminars, workshops and camps under the new rules of Gatka. To promote and popularise martial art Gatka in the world arena, the Asian Gatka Federation, Commonwealth Gatka Federation and International Gatka Federation have also been set up. The School Games Federation of India (SGFI) has also incorporated the Gatka in the 56th national school games calendar 2011-2012.
With the addition of Gatka games in the state as well as National School Games being conducted by School Games Federation of India, it has provided further fillip to the Indian martial art which was in vogue for self-defence since times immemorial. Previously the game of Gatka was only played by men; presently women also take part in the game - outperforming the males by displaying their race skill, talent and acumen in the Gatka Sport.
In the northern part of India, Gatka is sometimes displayed at various festivals, celebrations and fairs as well as on 15th August (Indian Independence Day) and 26th January (Indian Republic Day)
