Sikkim CM Flags Off, 2026 1st International Mountain Bike (MTB) Competition by Zabarvan Extreme Legends Series
New Delhi, October 13: Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), flagged off the first leg of the 2026 (MTB) Zabarvan Extreme Legends Series, an International Mountain Bike Downhill Competition at Rock Garden, Zoom, Soreng District on Sunday. Organised by Zabarvan Extreme in collaboration with Zoom GPU, the event marks a significant milestone in promoting adventure sports and strengthening the state’s potential as an emerging destination for sports tourism.
The event was held as part of the Zabarvan Extreme Legends Series, an initiative promoting downhill mountain biking across diverse terrains and destinations in India. In 2025, the series covered Kashmir, Assam and Meghalaya, while the 2026 edition has commenced with Sikkim and subsequently to be held in Ladakh and Maharashtra. The event witnessed participation of leading international riders, including Douglas Vieira, a five-time national champion and last year’s winner, who faced strong competition from renowned riders Matej Charvat and Samuel Hills, an eight-time Mountain Bike World Champion. Their participation raised the competitive level of the event, bringing together accomplished riders for a thrilling display of skill, speed and endurance.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, congratulated the organising team and all stakeholders associated with the International Downhill Mountain Bike (MTB) Competition, describing the event as a historic milestone for Sikkim and a moment of immense significance for Zoom–Salghari. He noted that hosting an event of international interest in the constituency reflected the region’s growing potential to emerge as a recognised destination for adventure sports and tourism. He commended the collective efforts, cooperation and active participation of the people of Zoom–Salghari, acknowledging the contribution of Zabarvan Extreme, the Cycling Federation of India and the associated teams in making the event possible.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s continued commitment to the holistic development of Zoom–Salghari, Jorethang and the surrounding areas, with particular emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and unlocking the constituency’s tourism potential. He outlined ongoing and proposed initiatives, including the development of tourism infrastructure such as Peacock Park and the widening and improvement of the Zoom road. Emphasising the importance of road connectivity in shaping the visitor experience, he expressed his vision of developing well-engineered, quality roadways that would make travel safer, smoother and more convenient while enhancing the region’s appeal to tourists.
Urging the public and the organising committee to sustain the momentum generated by the competition, he expressed hope that the event would become an annual feature, further establishing Zoom–Salghari on the international adventure sports calendar. He also highlighted the broader prospects for tourism development in the region, referring to the upcoming International Fishing Festival at Chirbirey as another initiative that would showcase the area’s natural assets and create opportunities for local communities and tourism related enterprises. He further underscored the ongoing upgradation of road infrastructure across the district as an important component of the government’s wider development agenda.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at strengthening the rural economy, the Chief Minister also spoke about “Gauley Haat”, an initiative designed to provide local farmers with a dedicated marketplace to sell their agricultural produce. The facility, equipped with essential amenities such as sheltered spaces, cold storage and washrooms, aims to facilitate better handling and preservation of produce, and support the livelihoods of local farmers.
The Chief Minister also touched upon various welfare initiatives of the state government, including Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, under which the performance and progress of beneficiary mothers would be assessed in the coming year, with recognition and awards for those demonstrating effective utilisation of the assistance provided. He further apprised the gathering of a proposed scheme for fathers aimed at supporting house upgradation, with 2,000 beneficiaries envisaged in each constituency. In addition, he highlighted initiatives such as Sewa Samman, which recognises and honours the service and contributions of ex-servicemen and retired police personnel.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister extended his appreciation to the people of Zoom–Salghari, the organising committee, participating teams and athletes for their collective contribution to the successful hosting of the international competition. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports, tourism and local development, he assured continued encouragement and support for future editions of the event.
The series witnessed participation from athletes representing eight countries: Iran, Australia, Brazil, Italy, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Nepal and India, providing a platform for riders from across the world to showcase their skills and compete on the challenging downhill terrain of the region.
Alongside the sporting activities, a day-long event was organised at Rock Garden, Zoom, featuring cultural performances, musical performances, rock climbing activities, stalls and exhibitions by seven Self-Help Group (SHG) members. These activities showcased the region’s cultural heritage, adventure tourism potential, and local entrepreneurial activities, while providing a platform for community participation and the promotion of local products.