Jammu: A group of Pahari youths from Karnah, representing the Pahari Tribe of Kupwara district, clinched third position in both Pahari Folk Song and Pahari Folk Dance categories at the UT-Level National Youth Festival 2025 held at the Convention Centre Jammu.
The team was guided by Youth Services and Sports Kupwara Incharge Raja Shafiq Khan and led by Javaid Ahmad Mir. The performing group included Ubaid Ayoub, Naveed Malik, Ishtiyaq Abasi, Yasir Naseer, Aubaid Younis, Faizan Rafi, Muhammad Usman, Waseem Altaf, Basit Manzoor, Aadil Iqbal and other members.
Participants from districts across Jammu and Kashmir competed in the event, making the achievement significant for the remote border region of Karnah, Lolab area of Kupwara district. The team advanced through district-level selections, represented the Kashmir division at Jammu and secured a podium finish at the Union Territory level in both categories.
Officials said the group received logistical support from the 104 Infantry Brigade during their participation outside the district.
Members of the team described the achievement as a proud moment for the Pahari community and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and the Department of Youth Services and Sports Jammu and Kashmir for facilitating their participation and creating platforms to preserve and promote Pahari cultural heritage.
Earlier, the same team had secured second position in both Pahari folk song and dance at a district-level programme held at SP College Srinagar.
The UT-level competitions were conducted under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue National Youth Festival initiative organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports. Winners from Jammu and Kashmir will represent the Union Territory at the national-level programme scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 10 to 12, 2026. [KNT]
