18.89°C Vancouver 18.89°C Vancouver
Jul 7, 2025 6:06 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom
The sound of swords and shields echoed through Surrey this past weekend as the Damdama Gatka Championship brought dozens of competitors together for a spirited celebration of Sikh martial arts.
The tournament, hosted at [insert venue if available], featured competitors from across Canada and the United States. Organizers said the event is designed to preserve and promote Gatka, a traditional martial art of the Sikhs that combines physical skill with spiritual discipline.
In the Singh division, Antarpreet Singh of Surrey’s Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara won gold, while teammate Gurmukh Singh took silver. Bronze went to Mohit Singh of Ranjit Gatka Akhara, Seattle, and Karamveer Singh of California Gatka Dal was named the division’s Most Valuable Player.
The Kaur division highlighted the growing participation of young women in the sport. Rubgun Kaur of Misl Montreal won gold, Kiranjot Kaur of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara, Surrey, earned silver, and Simran Kaur took bronze. Jaspreet Kaur of the same Surrey Akhara was named MVP.
Spectators told Connect FM the championship was more than a contest - it was a cultural gathering. “Gatka teaches our kids discipline and history,” said one parent in attendance. “It keeps them connected to Sikh values while giving them a healthy outlet.”
Organizers noted that Surrey has become a hub for Gatka competitions in North America, with strong participation from local youth. They also emphasized the role of these events in building confidence and fostering inclusivity, with both Singh and Kaur divisions drawing large crowds.
