Gatka

Gatka is a South Asian martial art most commonly practised in the Punjab region. Though today generally identified with Punjabi Sikhs, it has traditionally been practiced by other ethno-cultural groups in Pakistan such as the Tanolis and Hindkowans.

Tanoli tribesmen performing Gatka in northern Pakistan.

The word gatka properly refers to the wooden sticks which were originally used for sparring in this sport although now a range of other weapons are also employed.

Gatka can be practiced either as a contact sport (khel) or ritual/ceremonial demonstration (rasmi).