Roing, February 12: The 22nd National Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) Championship commenced on February 12 in Roing, the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The four-day championship, organised by the Arunachal Cycling Association under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, will continue until February 15.
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| Temjen Imna Along is presented with a traditional shawl during the inauguration of the 22nd National MTB Cycling Championship in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. (Image: Facebook/Pasang Dorjee Sona) |
A total of 512 riders from 29 states, along with teams from the Army and Air Force, are participating in the championship, making it one of the largest MTB national events in the country. The competition features senior, junior, and sub-junior categories, highlighting emerging and elite talent from across India.
The event was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona. Nagaland’s Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along attended the programme as Guest of Honour.
Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, described the championship as historic, noting that this edition recorded the highest participation in the history of the MTB nationals. He credited the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for its support in successfully hosting the event.
Mutchu Mithi, President of the Arunachal Cycling Association, expressed gratitude to the association’s members and volunteers for their dedication, stating that the growth of MTB in the state is the result of collective effort.
Addressing the participants, Temjen Imna Along encouraged the cyclists, saying that while some may win and others may not, they all represent India with pride. He added that hosting such a major national championship in a Northeast state was once unimaginable, and witnessing it in Arunachal Pradesh is a significant milestone.
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In his address, Pasang Dorjee Sona also highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s growing sports infrastructure and recent achievements, including hosting national school games in disciplines such as Taekwondo, Boxing, and Badminton.
The championship is expected to boost sports tourism in the region while promoting mountain biking as a competitive sport in the Northeast.
