Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Skipping Sikh grandpa spreads fitness message

by LAUREN CODLING

AN ELDERLY British Sikh whose skipping videos went viral earlier this month has said he hopes he can inspire others to exercise.


Clips and photographs of Rajinder Singh, 73, exercising in his allotment in London have gained traction in recent weeks, with news outlets across the world picking up on the inspirational videos.

Despite his new-found fame, Singh (also known as the ‘Skipping Sikh’) has insisted he does not have hopes to be popular. He simply just wants to encourage people to exercise and help to raise funds for charities.

“I hope that I can help people, give them good health and give them knowledge to keep fit and strong,” he told Eastern Eye last week. He also hopes that he can motivate other elderly people to get fit, practise skipping or any other workouts.

Admitting he had concerns that some members of the Sikh community may feel isolated now that Sikh gurdwaras have been closed, Singh believes exercise could have a positive impact on those who may be struggling throughout the lockdown period.

“(Besides Sikhs), I understand it’s difficult for all of us – people from all faiths and from all parts of the country,” he said. “I hope I can do something for them”.

However, he would love for people to join him on Parkrun (a five-kilometre running event that take place every Saturday in locations across the country) once the lockdown is over.

“I am so happy to hear from people who are sending me messages and I hope they will cheer for me when I start doing Parkrun again,” he said.

Singh, from Hillingdon, west London, has now begun using his skipping for charitable causes – so far, he has raised more than £9,000 for NHS charities. “The NHS is doing a brilliant job in the UK,” he said. “They are under so much pressure and that is why I want to do as much as I can for them. I feel so proud to be helping the health service.”

Singh, who has taken part in approximately 25 marathons, has always been active and interested in fitness. He learned from his father, a soldier, and was taught how to skip from an early age. Now, he tries to exercise four or five times a day. In light of the lockdown measures, he works out in his allotment, garden or home.

His daughter Minreet said she has always known her father to be active. As a child, she can recall when her dad was once told to slow down by the police while out cycling.

“You would never think someone would get told off by the police for cycling too fast, but that’s how fast he could ride,” she said. “I remember hating getting on the bike when I was young as it was like being on a rollercoaster!”

Currently, Minreet is managing her father’s social media accounts. Therefore, she is able to read through the messages from people across the world. Many thank him for the inspirational videos and photos, while others have even taken up skipping.

Minreet believes her father’s story and its global impact links back to their Sikh faith. “The founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev travelled the world and my dad’s story has travelled the world too,” she said. “But this isn’t just a Sikh thing – this is a worldwide inspiration story where he is asking for nothing and is only giving back.

“There should be more people out there like my dad.”

To donate, see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/raj-singh6

More For You

Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

Trump greets Modi on 75th birthday, trade talks continue in Delhi

Highlights:

  • Both leaders reaffirm commitment to India-US partnership
  • Trade talks resume in New Delhi amid tariff tensions
  • India defends purchase of discounted Russian oil

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call sparked hopes of a reset in India-US ties, which had been under strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk weather

Forecasters say 30–40mm of rain is likely to fall widely

iStock

Met Office issues yellow weather warnings as heavy rain threatens flooding in 15 UK areas

Highlights:

  • Two yellow weather warnings issued for parts of Wales and the Midlands
  • Up to 70mm of rain expected, bringing risk of flooding, power cuts and travel delays
  • Flood alerts in place for rivers in Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall and Carmarthenshire
  • Residents advised to prepare emergency kits and stay updated with forecasts

Heavy rainfall set to cause disruption

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings covering parts of Wales and the Midlands today, with forecasters warning of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts. Between 6am and 11am, persistent downpours are expected to sweep eastwards, bringing nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours.

Areas under warning

South and southwest Wales are expected to be worst affected, with Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd and Powys in the Midlands also on alert. In Wales, warnings apply to Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Donald Trump and Melania Trump exit Air Force One after arriving at London Stansted Airport for a state visit on September 16, 2025 in Stansted, Essex.

Getty Images

UK rolls out royal welcome as Trump begins second state visit

Highlights:

  • Trump begins his second state visit to the UK with a royal welcome at Windsor Castle
  • Prince William, Catherine, King Charles and Queen Camilla take part in ceremony
  • State banquet and trade talks with prime minister Keir Starmer scheduled
  • Protests and security operation mark visit amid political challenges

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump began his unprecedented second state visit to Britain on Wednesday with a lavish welcome from King Charles and the royal family at Windsor Castle.

Keep ReadingShow less
11th UK Gatka Championship

All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

Highlights:

  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

Inauguration by global leaders

The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vantara

The site, located in Gujarat, houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. (Photo: Instagram/Vantara)

India court probe clears Ambani family’s animal centre

AN INDIAN Supreme Court-ordered investigation has cleared a large private animal facility run by the son of Asia’s richest man, rejecting allegations of wildlife violations.

Vantara, described as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Keep ReadingShow less