Shillong, Apr 4: A contingent from the Meghalaya Cycling Association won four medals at the 20th National MTB Championship, which was organised by the Haryana Cycling Association at the end of March.
The MTB (mountain bike) championship was held under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India from 28th to 31st March.
Five cyclists from Meghalaya were led by MCA President Lening S Bareh and West Jaintia Adventure & Cycling Association Secretary Lanlifni Lamare.
One gold medal was won by Aaron Oniel Kharpuri in the Downhill Elite category. Taitus Ch Marak took silver in the same event.
Kevin Lyngdoh, meanwhile, bagged double silver in the XCO (Cross Country Olympic) time trial and mass start youth category events, while Lambormi Phawa secured fifth in the XCO junior men’s category and Fabian Khyllait seventh in the XCO youth category.
It is a proud moment for the association as Taitus and Aaron were among those shortlisted for the upcoming Asian Continental MTB Championship, which will be held in Malaysia from 8th to 12th May.
The national championship was held on the tough and rugged trails of Morni Hills, Panchkula and saw participants from all over the country.
This is the first time that the state cycling association has been so successful in the ever evolving sport.
The MCA had conducted a couple of training programmes for the cyclists weeks before the event and the results have been promising and satisfactory, the association said in a press release.
“We would like to congratulate all the participants and also the whole team, comprising the
manager, coach and association members, who have been involved throughout the process
with their support,” the release said, adding further thanks to the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Meghalaya State Olympic Association and district cycling associations.
Cycling was included as a sport in the Meghalaya Games 2022 for the first time and this “has really paved our way and has become a landmark for the association to reach out to the best and high potential athletes.”
(Meghalaya Cycling Association photos)
