From Our Correspondent
TURA, Oct 20: In a remarkable achievement that has brought immense pride to the state of Meghalaya, three talented riders hailing from Shillong have earned the privilege of representing India in the upcoming Asian Continental Championship for Downhill Individual (DHI) racing.
This prestigious event is set to take place amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ponmudi hills in Trivandrum, Kerala, from October 26 to 29.
The trio of riders who clinched their spots in this high-stakes championship comprises Apshai Griffith Niangti, Taitus Ch Marak, and Anissa Dariti Lamare, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional prowess and dedication in the sport of downhill mountain biking.
Apshai Griffith Niangti, a seasoned athlete in this discipline, has been a prominent figure in the mountain biking circuit for eight years. His remarkable journey has seen him amass numerous podium finishes and medals at regional and national levels. Having competed in over 40 races across the nation and securing medals at the National Championships, Apshai’s impressive track record also includes a top-10 finish in the Asian Enduro series in Nepal back in 2019. With only the support of his family and the backing of the Guwahati-based bike store, SPOKEHUB, Apshai has persevered and excelled, fueling his journey with the cash prizes earned from his victorious races.
Taitus Ch Marak, a relative newcomer to the sport, commenced his mountain biking career in 2019. Nevertheless, he has been ascending the ranks of the Indian racing scene with remarkable speed. Taitus has consistently secured top-10 placements in the National Championships and consistently achieved top-5 results in regional events, hinting at his untapped potential. Similar to Apshai, Taitus relies on the support of his family and the assistance from SPOKEHUB, enabling him to continue his ascent in the world of Indian MTB racing.
Anissa Dariti Lamare deserves special recognition as India’s first female Downhill Mountain biker. For the past seven years, she has fearlessly raced alongside men in the same category. However, the forthcoming Asian Championships will mark a significant turning point in her career, as it will be the first platform where she competes in a dedicated women’s category, thereby breaking new ground for women in Indian downhill mountain biking.
The rigorous selection process for the Indian team transpired earlier this year. The top 10 riders were identified during the Nationals held at Panchkula, Haryana, with the top four riders earning coveted spots at the National camp in September, hosted at the race venue. In this second phase of selection, Apshai and Anissa emerged as the chosen representatives, following another rigorous trial. Apshai secured the third position, while Taitus claimed the fifth spot, serving as a reserved rider. Meanwhile, Anissa clinched the second position in the women’s category, setting the stage for their participation in the 28th Asian Continental Championship in 2023. These three riders will undoubtedly carry the hopes and aspirations of their nation as they prepare to compete on the challenging slopes of Ponmudi hills this October.