Arunachal's Mechuka gears up for national border race, welcomes international teams

The remote border town of Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi Yomi district, nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas and bordering China, will host the 3rd edition of India’s Border National Adventure Racing Cycle Championship. 
 

The event has drawn 22 teams — each comprising four athletes — including a special team from Malaysia, marking a significant international presence.
 

Over 90 participants from across the country have arrived in Mechuka, overcoming severe road blockages and the under-construction highway conditions, demonstrating true adventure spirit.
 

This championship, open to all, is known for testing endurance in some of India’s most rugged terrains. Winners from this race will earn the honor of representing India at the upcoming Asia Regional Championship.
 

Chief Minister Pema Khandu will officially flag off the race on April 19. He will arrive in the region along with Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona. 
 

Speaking to India Today NE, athletes from Malaysia expressed that they were awe-struck by Mechuka’s breathtaking beauty, flanked by snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys.
 

Veteran participants, including those from the acclaimed teams Mahakali and Shershah — both with multiple adventure race victories — shared their challenging yet inspiring journey to Mechuka and praised the unique charm of this Indo-China border town.
 

Pasang Dorjee Sona, who also serves as the local MLA and holds portfolios of Tourism, RWD, and Education, emphasized Mechuka’s vast potential as a tourism hotspot. He expressed confidence that such international adventure events will bring global attention to the region. He also acknowledged India Today’s recent recognition of Mechuka as the "Best Mountain Destination."
 

Mechuka is fast becoming a beacon of eco-adventure in the Northeast.