Ukhrul lad Thotmachan to compete in Tokyo MTB
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 13 2023:
After securing 9th position in the junior category of the 28th Asian Mountain Bike Cycling Championship and 14th Asian Junior Mountain Bike Championship held in Kerala from October 26 to 29 this year, Thotmachan Awungshi Zimik from Phalee village in Ukhrul district has been selected to represent India as the sole rider from the country at the Men's Junior MTB 2024 to be held in Tokyo, Japan.
According to a report published in Ukhrul Times, the recently concluded 28th Asian Mountain Bike Cycling Championship in Kerala saw Sho Takahashi from Japan, John Andrea Aguja from the Philippines, and Ryoga Shi mazaki from Japan clinching the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
The Indian team, led by coach Kiran Raju, a four-time national champion, faced a challenging task with a total of 31 riders, including 20 males and 11 females.
For many Indian cyclists, this event marked their first participation in such a significant competition.
The four day championship, featuring events like downhill, cross-country, cross country eliminator, and cross country team relay, attracted around 250 cyclists from 20 countries.
Notably, this event served as selection competition for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.