THE 12th Annual International Yudh Gatka Tournament held in Greenwood, Indiana, in the U.S. on August 30 was a huge success.

Participants from California, New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, Michigan and New York, as well as from Toronto (Canada) and India made the tournament truly international.

Gatka is a martial art which focuses more on the concept of sword play and certain strikes which deliver a particular amount of points. During a two- to three-minute match, the player who can accumulate the most points takes the match. Though this may sound like a very physical game, a mental strategy must be made to adapt to each player’s style, say the organizers.

“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, ” says Jasdev Singh, the main organizer of the event.

The competition had three different categories with separate age groups. The competition hosted Chakar Spinning, Double Kirpan / Sword and Soti which each had an 18 and older division, and also a 17 and younger divison.

“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,” according to the organizers. The aim of each contest was to perform the task with agility, speed, goodwill and respect to each other, showing a humble sense of mind.

The following were the winners at the International Yudh Gatka Tournament in which more than $10,000 were awarded:

Singhs Soti Competition:

Open (18 and over)

1 – Harjas Singh, New Jersey Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara

2 – Dalbir Singh, New Jersey Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara

3 – Sukha Singh, California Gatka Dal (Riverside)

Under (17 and under)

1 – Harjot Singh, California Gatka Dal (ElsoBrante)

2 – Manroop Singh, California Gatka Dal

Kaur’s Soti Competition

Open 17+

1 – Kiranpreet Kaur, New Jersey Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara

2 – Tajinder Kaur, Mata Bhag Kaur Akhara  INDIANA

Singh’s Double Kirpan Competition

Open 18+

1  – Sukha Singh, California Gatka Dal (Riverside)

2 – Manmeet Singh California Gatka Dal (Riverside)

Singh’s  Chakar Competition

Under 17

1 – Karndeep Singh, California Gatka Dal

1 – Pargat Singh, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Akhara Toronto

Referees

Giani Bhai Jungbir Singh, Indiana

Bhai Didar Singh, California

Bhai Ranjeet Singh, New Jersey

Judges

Bhai Harpreet Kaur, New Jersey

Bhai Paramjeet Singh, Fresno, California

Bhai Gagan Singh, Indiana

Commentators

Ranjit Singh, Stockton, California

Mandeep Singh, Toledo, Ohio