Arunachal hosts record 512 riders at 22nd National MTB Championship in Roing

The 22nd National Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) Championship commenced in Roing town of Lower Dibang Valley district, drawing a record 512 elite riders from 29 states across the country. The four-day national championship, being held in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time, was formally declared open by Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona.

The prestigious event, which runs from February 12 to February 15, has brought together top cyclists from across India, including teams from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, marking one of the largest gatherings in the history of the championship.

Organised by the Arunachal Cycling Association under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), the championship features both men’s and women’s categories across multiple age groups. Officials described this edition as the biggest ever in terms of participation.

Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, Maninder Pal Singh, termed the event a milestone for the frontier state. He said Arunachal Pradesh has set a record by hosting over 500 national-level athletes, making it one of the largest national sporting events ever held in the state. He credited the Arunachal Cycling Association for successfully organising the mega championship.

Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along attended the inaugural ceremony as Guest of Honour, while Pasang Dorjee Sona presided as Chief Guest. Along, on his second visit to the state, described Arunachal Pradesh as “heaven on earth” and highlighted its immense potential in adventure sports. He noted that cycling ranks among the top priority sports globally and said Arunachal’s rugged terrain and breathtaking landscape could position it as a premier mountain biking destination, comparable to international cycling hubs.

Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona emphasised the broader significance of hosting national sporting events, stating that such championships not only promote sports but also boost tourism, hospitality, and local economic activity. “Winning or losing is secondary; participation and sportsmanship are what truly matter,” he said, encouraging athletes to uphold the spirit of the game.

Wangdi Dorjee Khrimey, Vice President of the Arunachal Cycling Association, expressed gratitude to the Cycling Federation of India for selecting Arunachal as the host state. He also thanked local MLA Mutchu Mithi and the Department of Youth Affairs for their support.

To accommodate participants, organisers have set up a dedicated Greenfield Games Village in Roing, featuring separate accommodation facilities for male and female athletes, dining arrangements, sanitation facilities, and a specially designed world-class MTB track built for the championship.

Cyclists and coaches from states including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu praised Arunachal Pradesh’s natural beauty and challenging terrain, describing it as an ideal destination for mountain biking.