How long is a gatka bout?
B · Beginner · Events and equipment · 2 of 4A bout is two rounds of 90 seconds with a 30-second break, when coaches may advise. The untimed fatehnama salute opens and closes it. A team manager may call one 30-second time-out in an individual event, three in a team event. If an opponent fails to appear within two minutes, the player wins by walk-over with ten points.
How it works
- Bout: three minutes.
- Rounds: two of 90 seconds.
- Break: 30 seconds.
- Fatehnama: not timed.
- Warm-up: one minute.
- Time-out: 30 seconds.
- Walk-over: ten points.
- Injury: up to three minutes.
The glossary has the bout, the fatehnama, the time-out, the injury and medical stoppage, the walk-over and the objection ball.
Tricky cases
A player attacks during the salute. Result?
Disqualification.
Does a walk-over apply in the final?
No.
Can a player leave the ground in a time-out?
No.
An extra time-out is asked for. Result?
A warning, then a yellow card.
Why the rule exists
Opening and closing with a salute keeps the art's respect at the centre of the sport.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bout | Three minutes | L G 7.9 |
| Walk-over | Ten points | L G 9.2.1 |
| Time-outs | One or three | L G 7.9.1 |
From the rule book
NGAI and World Gatka Federation, Gatka Rule Book (updated 8 July 2021), rules 5.8, 5.59, 7.9 and 9.2.1. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: NGAI and WGF Gatka Rule Book, July 2021.