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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! We are proud to announce that the 7th Annual International Yudh Gatka Tournament will take place in New York City, USA during the summer of 2009. The tournament has grown rapidly within the last six years, and continues to intrigue the general public! View Photo Gallery of the 6th Annual Gatka Tournament Hosting players from areas such as Vancouver, Calgary, Prince George, New Jersey, Houston, Fremont, Selma, Yuba City, India, New York, Toronto and England, the Yudh Gatka Tournament truly upheld its title as 'International.' So what is the Yudh Gatka Tournament and what is its relevance to the Sikhs? The Tournament is a dual between competing players using traditional Sikh martial arts methods. In fact, it is very similar to the western definition of martial arts. Not only does Gatka emphasize the physical training of martial arts, but it puts a special focus on 'mental' training which is needed to be successful in any sport. "The tournament is a great way for the community to get together, and particulary for anyone who enjoys seeing true athletic and diverse talent at work " said Jasdev Singh, the organizer of the the event. "We promote the Sikh practice of martial art because it not only can be used for self defense, but it highlights our tradition of helping and protecting others. Many people have a misconception that Sikhs carry 'swords' to harm others, but it is for self defense and protection in good faith." The tournament lasted a full day, rearing a growing crowd each hour. "My Sikh friend had invited me to this event and I must say, it was simply remarkable to see the Sikh people participating in a sport they believe in. I think, as a Westerner, I was definitely apalled and I know that I have never seen martial arts performed like this. It was rather intriguing" The competition also hosted competitiors under 14, under 17 and 18 and up categories. "It was nice to see that equality came into play in the competition as well. Girls had the opportunity to compete, and many of them won their share of prizes." Many of the competitors played with sotti (stick), while others participated in double swords, double kirpan (daggers) and chakkar (circle) competitions. The aim of each contest was to perform the task with agility, speed and good will. When asked what he thinks about the tournament, Ramneet Singh, age 14 replies " It is fun to watch. People think that WWF and Kung Fu fighting is amazing, but this is the real deal. It is a sport that is in the hearts of the Sikh people. Their high spirits are truly seen on the field" The organizers of the Yudh Gatka tournament thank the community for supporting this event are proud to announce the winners of the multi-staged and highly intensive duals. The following is a list of the winners in the International Yudh Gatka Tournament: Singhs Soti Competition Open 1st- Sukhjinder Singh, Khalsa School BC Group B 1st- Vishavdeep Singh, Akali Phula Singh Akhara Calgary Group C 1st- Jaspreet Singh, Khalsa School BC Group D 1st- Prabhlabh Singh, Khalsa School BC Kaurs Soti Competition Open 1st- Amarpreet Kaur, Akali Phula Singh Akhara Calgary Group B 1st- Amrit Kaur, Khalsa School BC Chakar Competition Open 1st- Avtar Singh, California Gatka Dal Group B 1st- Charnjeet Singh , Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara Toronto Kirpan Competition Open 1st- Perminder Kaur, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara Toronto Group B 1st- Jasleen Kaur, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara BC Referees Giani Jagbir Singh , New Jersey USA Judges Bhai Gian Singh, BC Canada Commentator Amarinder Singh , Toronto Canada Special Guests Giani Avtar Singh, Punjab India For more information about this event, feel free to contact Bhai Jasdev Singh, main organizer. He may be reached at 416-835-1909. |
