Akali Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Manchester Emerged as the Overall Champion
LONDON: The 9th UK National Gatka Championship-2023 came to an exhilarating close at the Gurudwara Nanaksar Garib Niwaj Ground in Hayes, London. The championship featured fifteen Gatka teams comprising both boys and girls from various towns across Britain. Akali Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Manchester emerged as the overall champion, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship, while the team of Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby secured the runner-up position.
The opening of this annual Gatka Championship was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi MP, Rajya Sabha Member Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Varinder Sharma MP, Harjit Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation, Baba Amarjit Singh of Gurdwara Nanaksar Garib Niwaj, and David Brogh Hedge Township. The inauguration commenced with a heartfelt prayer seeking divine blessings for the successful conduct of the tournament.
During his address, Baba Seechewal applauded the efforts of Gatka Federation UK and the World Gatka Federation in promoting and popularizing this martial art internationally. He encouraged the Sangat (community) to impart Gatka training to their children, emphasizing the values and self-defense skills it instills.
MP Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, also the President of Gatka Federation UK, expressed gratitude to all the Sangats and individuals who supported the UK Gatka initiatives. He highlighted the achievements and activities of the Gatka organization, underscoring the championship's significance in nurturing the talents of Gatka players in the country. Dhesi indicated that the forthcoming year would witness an even more impactful event for Gatka enthusiasts.
Harjit Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India, stressed the importance of the 'three Gs' - Gurmukhi, Gurbani, and Gatka - in preserving the Sikh heritage and keeping future generations connected to it. He called upon Gurdwaras worldwide to serve as primary training centers for these 'Three Gs.'
Grewal praised the introduction of a digital scoring system using sensors during the tournament by Gatka Federation UK and assured that the World Gatka Federation would consider implementing similar technology with enhancements in other countries. Distinguished individuals, including Varinder Sharma MP, MLA Dr. Unkar Singh Sahota, Sikh thinker Bhagwan Singh Johal, and Rajinder Singh Purewal of Punjab Times, also addressed the gathering.
The tournament featured Gatka competitions in various age groups, employing a knockout method. In the U-14 boys team category, Akali Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara Manchester secured the top position, while Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby clinched the second position.
In the boys' U-18 team category, Akali Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara Manchester emerged victorious against Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Erith. In the age group above 18 years, Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby secured the first position, with Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Layton securing the second position.
Notably, In the girls' individual competition for the under-14 age group, Arshpreet Kaur and Harleen Kaur secured the first and second positions, respectively, for the A and B teams of Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby. Daya Kaur of Akali Phula Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry secured the first position, while Kamalpreet Kaur of Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby secured the second position in the individual competition of the under-18 age group. Parminder Kaur of Akali Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara Manchester clinched the top position in the individual competition of the above 18 years age group, with Kamalpreet Kaur of Damdami Taksal Gatka Akhara Derby securing the second position.
