Young performers showcase extraordinary agility, yoga and self-defence skills; Guru Ajay Thakur uses the cultural stage to champion women’s safety, discipline and a drug-free society
Munish Sood
KULLU
Strength, discipline and confidence took centre stage at the International Kullu Dussehra Festival 2026 as the young performers of Team Black Panther delivered a high-energy martial arts presentation, captivating audiences with an impressive blend of yoga, acrobatics, ninja sports and self-defence techniques.
The performance stood out for the remarkable coordination, physical agility and confidence displayed by the children, who demonstrated how disciplined training and sustained practice can translate into exceptional skills at a young age. According to the team, the presentation drew appreciation from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with other dignitaries, artists and police officials present at the festival.
From challenging yoga postures and acro-yoga to handstands, nunchaku techniques and traditional martial arts skills, the young performers kept the audience engaged with a series of carefully executed demonstrations. The display of self-defence techniques by the girls emerged as a particularly significant feature, highlighting the importance of equipping young women with confidence and practical skills for their safety.
More than martial arts: A mission to shape young minds
Behind the performance is Ajay Kumar Thakur, captain of the Indian Ninja Team and mentor of Team Black Panther, whose nearly 22 years of experience in martial arts have shaped his approach to training and youth development.
For Thakur, the objective extends far beyond preparing children for demonstrations or competitions. He sees martial arts as a means of instilling discipline, courage, patience, physical fitness and self-belief among the younger generation.
Through its performances and training initiatives, Team Black Panther seeks to spread awareness about drug abuse, promote women’s safety, encourage patriotism and inspire children to channel their energy into constructive pursuits.
Thakur believes that the real measure of success is not confined to medals, trophies or applause. It lies in helping children grow into confident, self-reliant and responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Girls’ self-defence demonstration highlights women’s safety
The self-defence presentation by the girls added a strong social dimension to the performance. At a time when awareness about women’s safety and personal security remains important, the demonstration conveyed the value of introducing self-defence training at an early age.
The team aims to encourage parents to view physical training not merely as an extracurricular activity but also as an investment in children’s confidence, health and personal development.
The young performers demonstrated that martial arts training is not solely about physical strength. It also requires concentration, mental resilience, respect for discipline and the ability to respond confidently to challenging situations.
A message that goes beyond the festival stage
The International Kullu Dussehra Festival offered Team Black Panther a prominent platform to combine sporting talent with a message of social responsibility. The performance sought to underline how cultural events can serve not only as avenues for entertainment but also as platforms for promoting awareness and positive change.
Under Thakur’s guidance, the team is working to nurture young talent and encourage children to remain focused on sports, fitness and constructive activities. Its broader message calls for a drug-free society, empowered girls, disciplined youth and a stronger sense of national pride.
The enthusiastic participation of the children also highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities to develop their abilities, build confidence and showcase their talent before wider audiences.
Turning talent into a force for positive change
Team Black Panther’s presentation at the International Kullu Dussehra Festival brought together athletic skill, cultural expression and social awareness. The young performers used the stage to demonstrate what commitment and regular practice can achieve when supported by proper guidance.
For Guru Ajay Thakur, the mission remains clear: identify talent, provide children with the right direction and use martial arts as a tool for building a healthier, more confident and socially responsible generation.
The message from Team Black Panther is simple yet powerful: stay away from drugs, empower girls through self-defence, embrace discipline and uphold respect for the nation.
As the young performers took their skills to one of Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent cultural celebrations, they offered a reminder that the true power of sport lies not only in performance, but also in the values it instils and the positive change it can inspire.
