TAWANG | Nov | 18:
The 6th edition of the Mountain Terrain Bike (MTB) Tawang Challenge, a national cycling calendar competition, kicked off today in Tawang, with participants from various states and countries.
Mutchu Mithi, President of the Arunachal Cycling Association (ACA) and MLA for Roing, along with Kangi Darang, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, and Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), flagged off the two-day competition.
In his address, ACA President Mutchu Mithi said that cycling has immense potential, and Arunachal Pradesh possesses a vast untapped potential in this field. Such national events not only promote tourism but also showcase the quality of tracks available for national and international events.
"I have also discussed the potential of cycling sports with the Chief Minister, and he is very positive about it. Moreover, Arunachal Pradesh will soon lead in sports events not only in the northeastern states but also in the country," added President ACA.
Taka Tamut, Organizing Chairman of MTB Tawang and a Tenzin Norgay National Awardee, informed the media that the two-day event was organized by the Director of Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Arunachal Cycling Association (ACA) and the Cycling Federation of India.
While MTB Tawang is a national event, riders from countries like Nepal are also participating, with a total of 32 riders taking part in the event, added Tamut.
Taka further informed that on the first day, three categories of events were held: Boys XCO – Mass Start, Girls XCO - Mass Start, and Boys (junior) Time Trial events for 3.8 kilometers.
"We are very grateful to the CFI for supporting the event and also express our gratitude to the Department of Youth Affairs and district administration for extending their full support in organizing the event," he said.
Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary-General of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), appreciated the organizing team of MTB Tawang and said, "Arunachal Pradesh has great potential in adventure sports like cycling, and it is very encouraging that people here love cycling events. Even the state government is supporting to encourage this sport." He also assured that CFI will extend all-out support for the promotion of cycling sports.
Besides Mutchu Mithi and DC Kangki Darang, Secretary-General CFI - Maninder Pal Singh, Director Youth Affairs- Ramesh Linngi, General Secy-ACA - Tadar Gunu, Vice President -ACA - Wangdi Khirmey, and others attended the inaugural event.
Ronel Kundrakpam (Manipur), Shiven (Himachal), Ashis Sherpa (Himachal) won the first, second, and third positions in the Boys' XCO event, whereas Phyrnai Kyndait (Meghalaya), Urbasin Haomom (Manipur), Lawankordor Swer (Meghalaya) secured first, second, and third positions in the Girls' XCO event, and Dip Sagar Tamang (Nepal), Thotmachan Awangshi (Manipur), Nima Sherpa (Nepal) won first, second, and third positions in the Junior Boys' Time Trial event.
