London, September 16, 2025 – The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded near Cardiff, marking the first-ever edition of the tournament in Wales, as young martial artists showcased the Sikh martial art with skill and intensity. Gatka players from seven leading Akharas impressed spectators with lightning-fast strikes, precise techniques, and fluid movements.
The championship was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), along with Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Member of Parliament from Slough and President of the Gatka Federation UK, Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of the Wales Kabaddi Club, and other dignitaries including Jaspal Singh Dhesi and Kewal Singh Randeva of Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.
Announcing the results, MP Dhesi, who also chairs the House of Commons Defence Committee, noted that “these annual tournaments highlight the growing enthusiasm for Gatka among the UK’s younger generation.”
Competitions were held in the Farrie-Soti (individual) format. In the girls’ under-14 category, Roop Kaur of Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry secured first place by defeating teammate Manroop Kaur, while Rihanna Kaur of Baba Banda Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend took third.
In the boys’ under-17 category, 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 third place.
In the men’s above-18 category, 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, representing Baba Mitt Singh Gatka Akhara Wolverhampton, jointly secured third place.
All winners were awarded medals and trophies, while each participating Akhara received £1,000 from the Gatka Federation UK to support training infrastructure and encourage broader participation in the sport.
Harjeet Singh Grewal praised MP Dhesi for his efforts in promoting Gatka in the UK since 2013. “The dedication and vision shown by Tan Dhesi have played a crucial role in elevating Gatka in Britain,” Grewal said, assuring the UK Federation of WGF and NGAI’s continued support.
Addressing the gathering, MP Dhesi congratulated participants and volunteers, and acknowledged the contributions of the Swansea and Cardiff Gurdwara management committees for helping make the championship a success.
Dignitaries present at the event 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; and media representatives from Akaal Channel, Sikh Channel, and Jan Shakti News.
