From Our Correspondent
Nongpoh, Oct 19: The 5th AHOR 4×4 Off-Road Challenge 2023, a highly anticipated event for off-roading enthusiasts, was officially flagged off onThursday at the Kharsati Natural Park in Meghalaya.
This adrenaline-pumping off-road extravaganza is slated to span three action-packed days, with the grand finale set for October 21, 2023. Organized by the AHOR, the event has attracted participants from both within the state and neighboring regions.
This year’s Off-Road Challenge has been generating significant buzz, with an impressive turnout of over 60 enthusiastic participants registering to compete in four exhilarating categories: Ladies, Stock, Semi-Modified, and Modified. These categories promise a diverse range of challenges for competitors seeking to test their off-roading skills.
Damian Umdor, the President of AHOR, addressed the crowd at the inauguration, expressing his excitement for the event. “Participants from various states across the North East have come to take part in this thrilling challenge. We have received more than 60 registrations, and we expect even more participants to join, as some are still en route. The tracks this year have been deliberately designed to be exceptionally tough and challenging to enhance the skills of off-roaders and elevate the quality of our off-road community.”
Umdor further elaborated on the event’s unique features, stating, “We have planned a night track, and we hope that the spectators who come to witness the event will be astounded by the exceptional skills of our off-roaders.”
A notable aspect of this Off-Road Challenge is the distinct categorization of vehicles. “We have classified vehicles into categories to ensure a level playing field,” Umdor explained. “The Ladies category is designed exclusively for women participants, while the Stock category is for those who have not made any modifications to their vehicles. The Semi-Modified category is for vehicles with minimal alterations, and the Modified category includes vehicles that have undergone significant transformations, such as engine upgrades and other major modifications.”
Ferdinand Jahrin, General Secretary of AHOR, extended a warm invitation to the public, stating, “We welcome everyone to come and witness the off-road prowess of our talented off-roaders. With competitors in all four categories, including our very own Khasi Off-Roaders, we believe this event will significantly elevate the sport of off-roading within our state.”
Jahrin also noted that a substantial number of participants were competing in the Stock category, and a few women had enthusiastically entered the challenge, demonstrating the growing appeal of off-roading in the region.
Over the next three days, as the 5th AHOR 4×4 Off-Road Challenge unfolds, off-road enthusiasts and thrill-seekers can anticipate witnessing an exhilarating display of skill and determination from the participants, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Kharsati Natural Park.
With a diverse range of categories, challenging tracks, and a growing community of off-roaders, this event not only showcases the thrill of off-roading but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and competition among participants. As the competition unfolds over the next three days, the rugged terrain of Kharsati Natural Park will witness the indomitable spirit and exceptional skills of off-roaders, making this event a true celebration of adventure and skill in Meghalaya.