11th UK National Gatka Championship concludes on high note near Cardiff - first ever in Wales: Tan Dhesi MP - Punjabi News

Published on: 16 Sep 2025 at 05:26 PM

11th UK National Gatka Championship concludes on high note near Cardiff – first ever in Wales: Tan Dhesi MP

Published by: preeti mahajan

The Fact News Service

London, September 16

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art skills with passion and flair. Gatka players from seven prominent Gatka Akharas displayed electrifying skills, thrilling the audience with their lightning-fast strikes, moves and graceful techniques.

The championship was inaugurated by chief guest Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of World Gatka Federation (WGF) and National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), alongside Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Member of Parliament from Slough and President of the Gatka Federation UK, Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President Wales Kabaddi Club, Jaspal Singh Dhesi and Kewal Singh Randeva of Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Announcing the results, MP Tan Dhesi, who is Chairman of the influential House of Commons Defence Committee, said the annual tournaments highlighted the growing enthusiasm for Gatka sport among the UK’s younger generation.

In the championship all the competitions were held in Farrie-Soti (individual events). In the girls category u-14 years, Roop Kaur of Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry secured first place by defeating her teammate Manroop Kaur. The third prize went to Rihanna Kaur of Baba Banda Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend.

In the boys category u-17 years, Navjot Singh of Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Woolwich emerged victorious against fellow Akhara player Jashan Singh. Dharam Singh and Tejveer Singh, both from Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry, shared the third spot.

In the men’s category above 18 years age, Gurdeep Singh of Jangi Horses Club Wolverhampton claimed first position after overcoming Kuldeep Singh of Baba Banda Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend. Anmoldeep Singh and Nihal Singh, both representing Baba Mitt Singh Gatka Akhara Wolverhampton, jointly bagged third place.

All the winners were honoured with medals and trophies, while all participating Gatka Akharas received generous cash prizes of £1,000 each from the Gatka Federation UK to strengthen training facilities and encourage wider participation.

Speaking at the event, Harjeet Singh Grewal applauded MP Dhesi for his relentless efforts in organising Gatka competitions and promoting Gatka in the UK since 2013. He assured the UK Federation of full support from the WGF and NGAI in further elevating the sport in Britain.

In his address, MP Dhesi congratulated all the participants and volunteers, and expressed gratitude to the Gurdwara management committees of Swansea and Cardiff for their vital role in making the event a resounding success.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion included Herman Singh Johal, General Secretary of Gatka Federation UK, Khushwant Singh and Jit Singh Arora from Swansea Gurdwara committee, Sangat Singh Garib from Cardiff Gurdwara committee, Kuldeep Singh Padda, Tarjeet Singh Sandhu, Gurnam Nijjar, Jeetpal Sidhu, Parminder Sujapur, Randhir Randawa, Balbir Brar, Saheb Singh Dhesi, Taran Singh Nihang of Cardiff, Manpreet Singh Badhni Kalan, Akaal Channel team, Amanjeet Singh Sikh Channel, Amanjit Singh Khaira of Jan Shakti News and others.