Patka

Patka is a Sikh headgear in lieu of the full Sikh turban. It is commonly worn by Sikh sportsmen and young Sikh boys. Patka is a square piece of cotton, usually with four strings for tying.

Patka in sports

Patkas are commonly tied by Sikh sportsmen due to their stability, especially those playing cricket and field hockey. The Patka is tied a bun behind their head instead of a Sikh joora. This is commonly tied by cricketers such as Monty Panesar and Harbhajan Singh. Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant [Singh Pannun] is known for his wearing of patka. In 2014 there was a row with FIBA about two Sikh Indian players, Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh wearing patkas during the FIBA [Asia Cup]. In 2017 FIBA lifted the patka ban. In 2018 Indian wrestler Jashkawar Gill was denied the participation in a tournament in Turkey for his refusal to replace his patka with a women-style tying of hair allowed by the United World Wrestling rules.