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The World Gatka Federation (WGF), the global governing body for the traditional Sikh martial art, hosted its inaugural International Virsa Sambhal Gatka Championship on September 12, 2026, at Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in Euless, Texas.
The daylong tournament was jointly organized by the WGF and the Management Committee of Gurdwara Sikh Sangat. It was overseen by WGF Chairman Kalvinder Singh Rai, leaders of the Gatka Federation USA, and WGF General Secretary Dr. Deep Singh.
Ahead of the championship, the WGF conducted its first International Gatka Refresher Course on September 11. The program was designed to strengthen the technical proficiency of referees, judges, and other officials while promoting consistent international rules and officiating standards, according to a statement.
Singh emphasized the importance of holding regular technical workshops and refresher courses for referees to support the growth and standardization of Gatka worldwide.
Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, the first Sikh mayor of Norwich, Connecticut, and Rai attended the championship as chief guests. They presented awards to winners and other podium finishers across the various age categories.
During the event, Khalsa presented certificates of recognition to championship coordinators Gurdeep Singh, secretary of Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Euless, and Harveer Singh for their community service and contributions to the tournament.
The WGF also thanked Gurdwara Sikh Sangat President Gurvinder Kaur Sandhu, members of its Board of Trustees and Board of Directors, and the local congregation for hosting and supporting the championship.
Tournament Results
The competitions were conducted under the WGF’s international rules and supervised by a certified panel of referees and judges.
Under-14 Singh Category
- Single Soti Fight: Jaskirat Singh, first; Sahib Singh, second; Zorawar Singh, third
- Individual Demonstration: Zorawar Singh of HSGA, first; Sirtaj Singh, second; Mani Singh of Dallas, Texas, third
Under-14 Kaur Category
Single Soti Fight: Myra Kaur, first; Sahib Kaur, second; Tanreej Kaur, third
- Individual Demonstration: Pavit Kaur, first; Puneet Kaur, second; Tanreej Kaur, third
Under-18 Singh Category
- Single Soti Fight: Samarjeet Singh, first; Pahulteg Singh, second; Bhavtar Singh, third
Under-18 Kaur Category
- Single Soti Fight: Harnidh Kaur, first; Harnoor Kaur, second; Anshjyot Kaur, third
Under-22 Singh Category
- Single Soti Fight: Amritpal Singh, first; Harvir Singh, second; Saurav S. Jindal of Vancouver, Canada, third
Under-22 Kaur Category
- Single Soti Fight: Gurvinder Kaur of Kansas, first; Jasjyot Kaur of New York, second; Simarpreet Kaur of Melbourne, Australia, third
Special Awards
- Fair Play Award: Gurnoor Singh of Euless, Texas
- Best Player, Singh Category: Harnidh Singh
- Best Player, Kaur Category: Gurkeerat Kaur of Kansas
- Organizers and Community Leaders
- Organizers, coaches, certified referees, and community leaders attending the championship included:
- Kalvinder Singh Rai, WGF chairman and Gatka Federation USA representative
- Dr. Deep Singh, WGF general secretary
- Gagandeep Singh Bareli, U.S. tournament coordinator
- Jaskirat Singh, finance secretary
- Karanveer Singh of Malton Gatka Akhara
- Harbhajan Singh of North Carolina
- Jasved Singh of New York
- Sarbjit Kaur, Sikh activist from New York
- Gurvinder Kaur Sandhu, president of Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Euless
- Board of Trustees and leadership members Balbir Singh Bains, Amarjeet Singh Khalsa, Amarjeet Singh, Kirpal Singh Bhogal, and Bahadur Singh Gill
- Board of Directors members Tajinder Singh Maan, Har Mohinder Singh, Amritpal Singh, Dilpal Singh, Diljeet Singh, and Jasvir Kaur
