First-Ever Gatka Nationals Held in Wales

By Gurminder Singh Samad | SamvadPatar.com | September 16, 2025

Cardiff (Wales):
For the first time in history, the UK National Gatka Championship reached Welsh soil, as the 11th edition of the event concluded with grandeur and spirit near Cardiff. The Sikh martial art of Gatka, rooted in centuries-old traditions of self-defence and spirituality, once again captured the imagination of the diaspora and wider audiences.

Background: Gatka’s Journey from Punjab to Britain

Gatka is not just a combat sport – it is an embodiment of Sikh history, faith, and resilience. Originating in Punjab as a defensive martial art practiced by Sikh warriors, Gatka combines spiritual discipline with martial prowess. The turbaned warriors of the past wielded swords, shields, and staffs with lightning-fast techniques, defending the oppressed and standing for justice.

With migration from Punjab to Britain in the post-war decades, the sport quietly traveled with the diaspora. In the early 2000s, dedicated groups began reviving and formalizing Gatka in the UK, setting up Akhara (training arenas) in cities like Coventry, Wolverhampton, Gravesend, and Woolwich. By 2013, under the stewardship of Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (now Member of Parliament and Chair of the UK House of Commons Defence Committee), regular championships began taking place, giving younger generations both a cultural identity and a sporting outlet.

Over the last decade, Gatka has evolved into an organized sport in the UK, with the Gatka Federation UK spearheading its growth. The presence of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) has further strengthened institutional support, ensuring recognition and standardization of rules.

The Championship in Wales: A Historic Milestone

This year’s championship was special – it was the first time Gatka was hosted in Wales, symbolizing the sport’s expansion beyond traditional hubs like London and the Midlands. The venue, supported by the local Sikh community and Gurdwara committees of Swansea and Cardiff, turned into an arena of electrifying energy.

The event was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of both the WGF and NGAI, along with MP Tan Dhesi, Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar (President Wales Kabaddi Club), and community leaders including Jaspal Singh Dhesi and Kewal Singh Randeva of Haveli Hotel, Pontyclun.

Gatka players from seven prominent UK Gatka Akharas showcased their skills in Farrie-Soti (single-stick) competitions, thrilling the crowd with precision, agility, and discipline.

Results at a Glance:

• Girls U-14: Roop Kaur (Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry) – 1st place
• Boys U-17: Navjot Singh (Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Woolwich) – 1st place
• Men’s Above 18: Gurdeep Singh (Jangi Horses Club Wolverhampton) – 1st place

Other competitors including Manroop Kaur, Rihanna Kaur, Jashan Singh, Dharam Singh, Tejveer Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Anmoldeep Singh, and Nihal Singh also impressed with their performances, adding depth and competitiveness to the tournament.

Recognition and Support:

In a remarkable gesture, the Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Gatka Akhara, aimed at improving training facilities and widening participation. All winners received medals and trophies, underscoring both recognition and encouragement for the young martial artists.

Voices from the Championship

Speaking at the occasion, Harjeet Singh Grewal lauded MP Dhesi’s efforts since 2013 in institutionalizing Gatka in the UK:

“Gatka is not just a sport but a living heritage. The passion of UK youth reflects how traditions can thrive even thousands of miles from their birthplace. The World Gatka Federation will continue to fully support the UK Federation in taking this martial art to even greater heights.”

MP Tan Dhesi, echoing Grewal’s sentiments, added:

“This tournament shows the growing enthusiasm of our youth for Gatka. I thank the community, volunteers, and Gurdwara committees of Swansea and Cardiff whose contribution has made this milestone possible. From Punjab to Parliament, Gatka is now becoming a symbol of both identity and inclusivity.”

Future of Gatka in Britain and Beyond

The successful hosting of the championship in Wales opens a new chapter for Gatka in Britain. The Gatka Federation UK has announced plans to:

• Expand championships into Scotland and Northern Ireland, making Gatka a truly UK-wide sporting discipline.
• Engage schools and colleges in promoting Gatka as part of sports and cultural education.
• Develop international ties, ensuring UK Gatka teams participate in global competitions organized by the WGF.
• Encourage participation of girls and young women, ensuring inclusivity and equal representation.

With growing political recognition – including support from MPs like Tan Dhesi – Gatka is also positioning itself as a candidate for recognition by UK Sports Authorities. Long-term, enthusiasts hope it could even reach the Commonwealth Games platform as a demonstration sport.

Conclusion

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship near Cardiff was not merely a tournament; it was a historic celebration of heritage, youth, and community strength. As Gatka grows in popularity across Britain, it is creating a bridge between generations – keeping alive the spirit of Sikh warriors while providing young people with discipline, fitness, and pride in their identity.

From the villages of Punjab to the valleys of Wales, Gatka has traveled a long journey – and if the passion witnessed in Cardiff is any indication, its future shines as brightly as its glorious past.