Jujhar Singh creates history, becomes India’s first Power Slap champion in Abu Dhabi

Jujhar Singh becomes Power Slap champion. (Photo X)

Jujhar "Tiger" Singh, a resident of Chamkaur Sahib in the Ropar region of Punjab, became the first Indian to win an international Power Slap championship. On October 24, Singh won his first match in the Power Slap event in Abu Dhabi. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has officially sanctioned the competition.

In a thrilling three-round bout, the 28-year-old fighter—who comes from a modest farming family on the outskirts of Chamkaur Sahib—made history by defeating Russian heavyweight Anatolii "The Kraken" Galushka. Nationwide celebrations have been triggered by the triumph, particularly among the Punjabi diaspora.

Galushka, who is renowned for his strength and international experience, dominated the scoreboard in the first round, scoring crisp shots that momentarily worried the Punjabi rookie. When the Russian gave Singh a thunderous slap that cut close to his right eye, the second round became brutal. However, Jujhar made a strong comeback in the decisive round, exhibiting the characteristic tenacity of a Punjabi fighter. The judges unanimously decided in Singh's favor after his accurate and forceful blows overpowered Galushka.

During his school years, Jujhar Singh trained in traditional wrestling and kabaddi in the little town of Karura, which is close to Chamkaur Sahib. He started training in contemporary combat techniques at a nearby gym after being inspired by mixed martial arts and strength sports. Later, he relocated to Mohali to enroll in a specialized strength and conditioning program. Despite having few resources, his commitment and self-control won him praise.

Singh underwent rigorous training for more than a year before to his Power Slap debut. Strength training at dawn, hand conditioning exercises, and balance exercises to enhance striking control—a critical ability in Power Slap competitions where technique is just as important as raw strength—were reportedly part of his daily regimen. In order to strengthen his neck and increase his resistance to incoming slaps, he also engaged in regulated breathing exercises.

After returning to India said, he said, “This victory is not just mine, it’s for every Indian athlete who dreams big despite humble beginnings. I wanted to prove that even a boy from Chamkaur Sahib can make the world take notice.”

Jujhar Singh is now focused on defending his first international championship in next international competitions.