TORONTO, Canada—The 15th Anniversary International Yudh Gatka Tournament held in Toronto Canda flared an unbelievable amount of spectators, as well as players from across the world. Top players from each respective region were selected by their cities to compete in the tournament which was held on July 30.
Hosting players from areas such as California, British Columbia, Virginia, Toronto, Maryland, Montreal, New York, DC, India, and UK, the tournament truly upheld its title as ‘International.’
“The tournament is a great way for the community to get together, and particularly for anyone who enjoys seeing true athletic and diverse talent at work ” said Jasdev Singh, the main organizer of the the event.
The competition included three different types of categories which then had their own separate age groups.
The competition hosted Chakar/Jaal & Double Kirpan spinning and Farhi soti which each had a 18 and older division, and also a 17 and younger.
“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,” said Jasdev Singh. “The aim of each contest was to perform the task with agility, speed , good will and show respect to each other showing a humble sense of mind.”
When asked what he thinks about the tournament, Jarnail Singh, age 20 said, “This is a program I have attended for 5 years and this was another to shock me in the turnout with sangat. I was also happy to see the city Mayor attending the event and supporting the sporting event.”
Sukhjinder Singh, a first timer, aged 34, said, “I have heard about how many people come to this event and I wanted to see for myself first hand, and what I saw was extraordinary. I couldn’t believe how many people had come out for this and then that is when I began to realize that this is the only International tournament that has happened consistently for 15 years.”
The following is a list of the winners in the International Yudh Gatka Tournament in which more than $10,000 dollars were distributed:
Singhs Farhi Soti Competition
Open (18 and over)
1st- Ajaypal Singh, Fremont, California Gatka Dal
2nd- Bharjoban Singh , Elsobrante,California Gatka Dal
3rd- Himmat Singh , Fremont, California Gatka Dal
Under (17 and under)
1st- Pargat Singh, Toronto- Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara
2nd- Sukhman Singh, Riverside California Gatka Dal
3rd- Mohkam Singh, Stockton California Gatka Dal
Kaur’s Soti Competition
Open 18+
1st- Gurleen Kaur, Fremont California Gatka Dal
2nd- Jaskirat Kaur, El Sobrante California Gatka Dal
Under (14-17)
1st- Navneet Kaur, Yuba city, California Gatka Dal
2nd- Sarbpreet Kaur, Fremont California Gatka Dal
Singh’s Chakar/Jaal Competition
Open 18+
1st – Taranjodh Singh, Fremont California Gatka Dal
2nd- Gurpartap Singh, Riverside California Gatka Dal
Kaur’s Chakar/Jaal Competition
Open 18+
1st – Sukhmine Kaur, California Gatka Dal
2nd- Madhur Kaur, Maryland Gatka Akhara
14-17 Singh’s Double kirpan Competition
1st – Pargat Singh, Toronto -Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara
2nd – Sahibjot Singh, Fremont California Gatka Dal
14-17 Kaur’s Double kirpan Competition
1st – Japleen Kaur, Riverside California Gatka Dal
2nd – Sarabpreet Kaur, Fremont California Gatka Dal
Judges
Bhai Sarabjeet Singh, Toronto
Bhai Harjot Singh, Maryland DC USA
Bhai Navreet Singh, United Kingdom
Referees
Bhai Didar Singh, El Sobrante, California
Bhai Gursheel Singh, Toronto, Canada
Bhai Tarveer Singh, Surrey BC
Score/time Keepers
Bhai Bahadur Singh, Yuba City, California
Bhai Harjot Singh, Washington DC, Virginia
Bhai Gopal Singh San Jose, California
Bhai Gagandeep Singh, Toronto, Canada
Special Guests ( Religous & Political )
Bhai Jujhar Singh, Hajoori Ragi Darbar Sahib
Giani Balbir Singh UK Damdani Taksal
Jathedar Jaspreet Singh California Gatka Dal
Bhai Sahib Singh, Surrey, BC Guru Nanak Dal
Bhai Navreet Singh UK Chalda Vaheer
Bhai Daljit Singh Seattle Damdami Taksal
Bhai Hansa Singh, Edmonton
Bhai Sukha Singh, United Kingdom
MP Rajvinder ( Raj ) Grewal Liberal party
City Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon
School Trustee Harkirat Tak
Prabhmeet Sarkaria PC party
Nick Gahunia PC Party
Germanjit Singh PC party
Martin Singh NDP
Ranbir Singh Gill United Sikhs
Commentators
Bhari Ranjit Singh , Manteca, California
Dr Parminder Singh, Toronto , Canada
Bhai Mandeep Singh, Ohio USA
Audio/Visual – Parmjit Singh
