What equipment is used in gatka?
Officials' detail · Events and equipment · 2 of 2The soti is a straight stick, 39 in long for seniors and at most 500 g in wood. A cushion grip at one end marks which side is the sword's edge. The farri is a leather shield 10 in across. Face and chest guards and a turban or patka are compulsory; men also wear a groin guard.
How it works
- Stick: 39 in, seniors.
- Weight: 500 g wood, 350 g fibre.
- Cushion: grip and edge side.
- Perj: marks 2 ft.
- Shield: 10 in, 175 g.
- Guards: face and chest.
- Headwear: dastar, dumala or patka.
- Own kit: players bring it.
The glossary has the soti, the cushion and sharp edge, the perj, the farri, the protection and dress and the Gatka Management System.
Tricky cases
Hitting with the back of the stick. Result?
Wrong technique, a foul (cheer).
Must the shield be used in Soti-Farri?
Yes; the referee may caution a player who does not.
Are nails allowed in the stick?
No.
Do organisers supply sticks?
No.
Why the rule exists
The cushion fixes the edge, so a stick hit is judged like a sword cut.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seniors | 39 in | L G 7.2 |
| Juniors | 36 in | L G 7.2 |
| Shield | 10 in | L G 7.3 |
From the rule book
NGAI and World Gatka Federation, Gatka Rule Book (updated 8 July 2021), rules 5.46 and 7.2 to 7.5. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: NGAI and WGF Gatka Rule Book, July 2021.