THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
LEICESTER SPORTS FESTIVAL 2026
Hari Singh Nalwa Combat Academy {HSNCA} Shines at Sports Festival
REPORT: TARLOCHAN SINGH VIRK
PUNJABI LISTENERS CLUB
LEICESTER- Sporting fans from Leicester and other cities converged to the Saffron Lane Stadium on a beautiful summer’s day on Sunday 23 August 2026 from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm which was enjoyed by all and raised donations for the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s charities, Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity. Management Committee from the city’s Gurdwaras, Community Groups and Prominent members of the local Punjabi and Sikh community saw a variety of competitions.
The event began with Sikh prayer, and one lap walk around the athletic track. Shot Put and Discus took place from 10 to 11 am after which Gatka/Archery games were held. Adult Football and Wrestling competitions started at about 11 am. There were also two rings for the Boxing section and there were 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres races also took place. Ladies Yoga class was held at 2.30 pm. Extra fun was had by all in the Tug of War competition. The favourite and very popular game of Punjabis. Kabaddi match took place near the end of the sporting festival.
HARI SINGH NALWA COMBAT ACADEMYMIXED MARTIAL ARTS MMA
Hari Singh Nalwa Combat Academy {HSNCA}together with associated clubs from across the UK delivered an outstanding performance at the Leicester Sports Festival on Sunday 23 August 2026. The event showcased exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication from participants of all ages, with children as young as five years old competing alongside young people and adults. The festival was a powerful reflection of the true essence of Sikhi, bringing together people from a wide range of faiths, cultures and nationalities through the shared values of martial arts.
Participants represented their clubs with pride, demonstrating hard work, teamwork, respect and sportsmanship throughout the day while achieving impressive results.
The event provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate Sikh heritage, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen community connections through sport. Beyond the competition, the festval highlighted how martial arts can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster mutual understanding, friendship and personal growth.
FOOTBALL COMPETITION
A number of adults teams took part in the 7 a side games lasting 25 minutes in each half. The final was played by Derby FC and Doaba FC, team from Punjab, India. It was a very fast and competitive first half especially and the spectators were treated to two goals each by both teams. In the second half just as, everyone were getting excited to see the penalties if the match ended a draw, the team from Mahalpur in the Doaba area of Punjab scored the winning goal and had their supporters, players and management singing and jumping up and down.
Terry Singh FA EDI Ambassador
Terry Singh Football Association Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice Ambassador and Football Council member at LRCFA said that connection has been central to his work for over 3 decades. He began his work with Leicester City in the Community in 1992. For over 30 years Terry Singh has worked around grassroots, education and international football development. He also spent time in China building school structures. For him football is much more than a game, It is a platform for connection and belonging. Terry Singh presented Medallion to the Runners-Up and a trophy to the Winners’ captain Asim Hussain who plays in the Punjab Football League.
There was also a charity walk in which over 20 people took part. The event ended with a musical performance. Representatives from the Sikh Television Channels, radio and written press covered the sports festival.
COMMENTS
1. Gurnam Singh Rupowal, Sikh Community Volunteer for over 30 years said the organisers Sikh Sorts Association are to be congratulated for organising an event in which elders, adults, women and children participated. There was family atmosphere where we got to meet one another and enjoyed seeing many different games. These types of events should also be held in other cities. We should support this event in the future so that even more members of our community can benefit.
2. Harjinder Singh Rai, President Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji Oadby commented well done to the organisers for starting this important event but really this this should have been done many years before by those members of our community who have been actively running sports tournaments of Kabaddi and Football.
3. Jorawer Singh Virk, 8 years old I really loved coming and want to thank my Baba Ji for bringing me here. I play for the GNG team. They should have children tournament during summer holidays.
4. Balinder Singh Samra, Leicester representative Khalsa Aid International suggested that these games should also be held at Holla Mahalla near the Easter holidays especially for the school children.
5. Oadby Councillor Santokh Singh Atwal pointed out that the sports festival was successful and urged everyone to support it next year as much as possible. I am actively looking into organising something similar in Oadby which will also include poetry and an exhibition of Khalsa Raj of Banda Singh Bahadur and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji.
6. The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal stated the importance of sports promoting healthy lifestyles among the younger generation while helping them connected with their Punjabi roots and cultural heritage. The Lord Mayor accompanied by Lady Mayoress Manjit Kaur thanked each and everyone who contributed to his chosen charities Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity.
A committee should be set up of Gurdwaras management Committee members, active sport personalities, local business community and volunteers to look into building Leicester Sikh Community’s very own Stadium which can be used for 365 days of the year in which Kabaddi, football, Cricket, Athletics, Jumping, Rugby and Mixed Martial arts MMA tournaments can be organised. This type of festival should also be held to celebrate Holla Mahalla, Vaisakhi and Bandi Shod Diwas.
