Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

Bihar’s Gatka Revolution: A Teacher, His Students, and Five Shining Medals

“I feel like picking up a wooden stick and playing Gatka myself!” said young Jainab Parveen after watching Bihar’s athletes in action. This simple yet powerful statement captures the spirit of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 hosted in Bihar — where dreams met tradition and left the nation inspired.

In a defining moment for Bihar’s sporting landscape, the state proudly claimed five medals in Gatka — a traditional martial art rooted in Sikh history. With a silver and four bronze medals, Bihar proved it is no longer just a participant but a rising force in India’s indigenous sports scene.

A Teacher’s Vision Sparks a Movement

Ravi Roshan, a dedicated middle-school teacher from Gaya, didn’t just teach — he ignited ambition.

He brought his students to the IIM Campus to witness the thrill of Gatka firsthand. What started as a field trip turned into a medal haul. “I just hoped Bihar would win one medal. I never imagined five!” he said, beaming with pride.

His students, many watching a live sporting event for the first time, were instantly captivated. This exposure didn’t just fuel passion; it triggered purpose. For many, this was the moment they realized Bihar’s growing potential in lesser-known sports like Gatka and Mallakhamb.

Meet the Medal Winners Who Made History

The athletes didn’t just compete; they conquered. Here’s how Bihar left its mark:

• Anshu won a silver medal in the Girls’ Single Soti event, finishing just behind Punjab’s Tamanna.
• Akash Kumar Sharma earned bronze in Boys’ Farri Soti.
• Komal Jain took bronze in Girls’ Farri Soti.
• Bihar’s boys and girls teams secured bronze in Farri Soti Team Events.

These victories were not only a boost to the athletes but a testament to the efforts being made to popularize traditional martial arts beyond their regional strongholds.

Maharashtra’s First-Ever Medal & A Growing Movement

It wasn’t just Bihar that made headlines. Maharashtra too celebrated its first-ever Gatka medal in the girls’ team event. Coach Arti Chaudhary credited their success to the athletes’ adaptability and background in Mardani, Maharashtra’s indigenous martial art.

The energy at the IIM Campus was electric. Students chanted from the stands, turning the venue into a celebration of heritage, grit, and new beginnings.

Gatka: Reviving Roots, Shaping Futures

Gatka isn’t just a sport — it’s a cultural symbol. Backed by the Central Government and supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, it stands at the confluence of history and athleticism.

Dating back hundreds of years and deeply embedded in Sikh tradition, Gatka is now finding new life across states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand — thanks to platforms like KIYG and passionate educators like Ravi Roshan.

Why This Matters More Than Medals

This story isn’t just about five medals. It’s about inspiration. It’s about an ecosystem that supports ambition, embraces tradition, and drives transformation — one student, one teacher, one stick at a time.

So, if you think Bihar is only about mainstream cricket or academics, think again. It’s where indigenous pride meets global recognition — and it’s only the beginning.

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Bihar Say — Bihar Ki Kahani, Duniya Ke Liye!