ITANAGAR, Apr 29: In a first of its kind event, the Itanagar Cycling Club conducted a talent hunt for sports discipline in cycling at IG Trail, Itanagar under the aegis of Firefox MTB Shimla, one of India’s oldest mountain biking races.
The event was conducted in three categories. In the Men’s Elite Category, Bengia Tebin from Keyi Panyor district grabbed the gold medal, followed by Geyon Panyang from Upper Siang district. Bengia Nyer from Keyi Panyor district was adjudged third.
In the Women's Elite Category, in a close fight, Reechi Beyong from East Kameng district took the pole position beating the favourite Kej Yana from Kurung Kumey district.
Under-19 category also saw a neck to neck fight as eventually, the more experienced Kago Mobin from Lower Subansiri district beat his compatriot Nabam Tayo from ICR, while promising Tana Pipu from Papum Pare district took the third spot.
The event was flagged off by Alison Welly Bakha, MD of an academy and news channel, who expressed great joy to be a part of the event as it not only promotes cycling but also a platform for the young ones to engage in physical activity.
She lauded the efforts of Itanagar Cycling Club in building a community of cyclists and for encouraging the youths to stay away from addiction to mobile phones and abusive substances.
Kampung Welly, the organizing secretary of the event, said that FIREFOX MTB SHIMLA TALENT HUNT is being organised in 11 different cities of the country including Itanagar Chapter.
The winners of the event will represent Arunachal Pradesh in the Firefox MTB Shimla Race which is scheduled for May 10-12. She also informed that the event is being sponsored by the Firefox powered by Hastpa and Hustle Energy Drink.
The event coordinator cum legal adviser, Hage Nobin informed that the race was conducted in Cross Country Olympic (XCO) format. The total distance of the race was 20 kms.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by race officials Bombe Tao, Biken Nyigyor and Dr Kago Gambo respectively.
In his address, Pei Ijum Gadi (social activist), congratulated Kampung Welly and her team for successfully conducting the event garnering lots of attention and appreciation from the crowds.