Roing town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district is all set to host the 22nd National Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) Championship from February 12 to 15. The national-level sporting event is being organised in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time, and preparations are now in the final stage. More than 450 cyclists from different parts of the country have already registered to take part in the four-day championship, bringing a festive sporting atmosphere to the town.
In the days leading up to the event, cyclists of different age groups can be seen practicing across Roing, especially along the official race tracks prepared for the competition. Many participants who have already tested the tracks described them as both “challenging” and “interesting,” saying the natural terrain of the region makes the competition more exciting.
The championship will include competitions for both men and women across several categories. These include youth (14 years and below), sub-junior (15-16 years), junior (17-18 years), under-23 men, and elite category for riders aged 19 years and above. Altogether, 23 events of different distances and difficulty levels will be conducted, including mixed team relay races for the junior and elite categories. Participants must hold a valid 2026 rider’s licence issued by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) to compete.
Specially designed tracks have been prepared for the championship. The course includes a downhill track of around 1.9 kilometres near Kebali village and a mountainous track of about 3.8 kilometres in the Eze River area. Organisers believe the natural landscape of the district provides an ideal setting for mountain biking competitions.
The event is being organised by the Arunachal Cycling Association (ACA) with support from the state government, the Department of Youth Affairs, and the district administration. Local MLA and ACA president Mutchu Mithi said all arrangements, including accommodation, track preparation, and other facilities, are being completed with the support of various departments such as medical, electrical, and administrative teams.
Mithi said the championship will not only promote sports in the state but also highlight the strong potential of mountain cycling in Arunachal Pradesh because of its natural terrain. He expressed hope that cycling could grow into one of the most popular sports in the region if proper encouragement is provided.
ACA vice-president Wangdi Dorjee Khrimey thanked the Cycling Federation of India for giving Arunachal Pradesh the opportunity to host the prestigious event. He also requested local residents to cooperate as the town is expected to receive a large number of visitors, including athletes, officials, and support staff. According to him, the event is likely to give a boost to tourism in the district, as visitors will experience the scenic beauty and hospitality of the region.
A temporary games village has been prepared at the Stone Hills resort near the Eze River to accommodate the participants. The facility includes tented accommodation for male and female cyclists, dining areas, sanitation facilities, and other basic arrangements.
