KATHUA, OCTOBER 2: The vibrant Basohli Utsav 2025 concluded on a spectacular note today with a Grand Marathon organized from Atal Setu to Ramleela Ground Basohli, witnessing overwhelming participation of nearly 400 athletes in 2 km, 5 km, 10 km and 21 km categories.
LA Basohli, Darshan Singh graced the occasion as Chief Guest, along with Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma and Director ACB, Shakti Pathak, who together encouraged the participants and lauded the organizers for promoting fitness, youth engagement and cultural vibrancy through the Utsav.
In his address, MLA Darshan Singh described the marathon as a befitting culmination of Basohli Utsav, reflecting the town’s emerging status as a hub of cultural, sporting and tourism activities. He urged youth to take pride in their heritage and actively participate in such festivals.
DC Kathua Rajesh Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, said that Basohli Utsav is not only a celebration of art, culture and tradition but also a platform to showcase sportsmanship, fitness and community participation. He underlined that such events will strengthen Basohli’s identity at the regional and national level while boosting tourism.
Director ACB, Shakti Pathak complimented the organizers, participants and volunteers, noting that blending sports with cultural festivities has made Basohli Utsav more vibrant, inclusive and engaging for all sections of society.
The event witnessed enthralling competitions, with Ravi Dass from Udhampur clinching first position in the 21 km category, Amit Kumar of Pathankot and Sanjay Kumar of Dhar Kalan secured second and third positions respectively. A special award was also conferred upon Dipakshi of JNV Basohli.
In the 10 km run, Parkash Chander of Jammu and Shamshad Bano of Jammu bagged first prizes in boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. Winners of other categories were felicitated, while all participants of the 2 km and 5 km runs received medals as a token of encouragement.
At the culmination, DC Kathua extended gratitude to the local administration, organizers and the people of Basohli for their wholehearted participation and acknowledged the guidance and leadership of the Lieutenant Governor J&K UT in ensuring the smooth and successful culmination of Basohli Utsav 2025.
