Tura, Aug 11: The 1st edition of the South Western Motocross Championship 2024 came to a roaring conclusion on Saturday evening at Upper Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills as riders pushed their machines to the limit to win the championship.
The thrilling three-day event, held from August 8 to 10, made the quaint little town of Kalaichar reverberate with the blaring sounds of engines roaring in full throttle, as the riders raced against each other over a natural and few artificially prepared tracks on the outskirts of the town.
The high-octane event was organised by the Ranggira Motorsports and Adventure Club (R.M.A.C), with sponsorship from Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma; Mahendraganj MLA, Sanjay Sangma; and Rangsakona MLA, Subir Marak. Hub News was the official media partner for the entire event.
A total of 66 riders hailing from Guwahati, Shillong, Jowai, Nongstoin, Resubelpara, Tura, Ampati and from Mizoram took part in the event. To be specific, there were 4 riders from Mizoram, 1 from Guwahati (Assam), 9 from Shillong, 2 from Jowai, 2 from Nongstoin, and 48 from Garo Hills.
The racers competed in seven categories; Beginners class, Scooty class, 2-Stroke class, Novice class, Expert class, Local Southwest class and an Open class Category.
The championship kicked off on Day 1 (August 8) with the closing of entries, pre-event scrutiny, and an official practice session.
Day 2 (August 9) marked the launch of actual race events, featuring competitions across 6 categories: Beginners class (7 laps), Scooty class (3 laps), 2-Stroke class (7 laps), Novice class (10 laps), Expert class (12 laps) and Local Southwest class (3 laps) categories.
The Day 3 and the final day (August 10) featured the highly anticipated Open class race (10 laps), along with the culmination of other category races.
Mahendraganj MLA, Sanjay A Sangma, who graced the event along with senior citizens from Kalaichar area, expressed his appreciation for the organizers and highlighted the positive impact such events have on the youth. He also urged them to stay away from drugs and avoid reckless driving on public road besides always wearing safety gears while riding.
A special mention needs to be made for the solo female rider in the event, Nasawea K Marak. She was the only female competitor and had to withdraw after a DNF (Did Not Finish) due to a minor accident, but received immediate medical attention on site.
The event, located just 500 meters from the India-Bangladesh border, attracted hundreds of local spectators, though cross-border viewers were unable to witness the excitement due to border fencing and strict BSF vigil.
Talking to Hub News, off-duty BSF personnel, who were returning to their camp after a shift change, expressed their thrill at witnessing the event, which they typically see only on television.
The championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where winners in each category were awarded trophies and cash prizes.
The results are as follows:
Local Southwest class:
1st – Kanam G Sangma
2nd – Dechangra D Sangma
3rd – Rikman Ch Marak
Scooty class:
1st – Bergie Riprang R Marak
2nd – Jayden Nongkhlaw
3rd – Bikki K Marak
Beginners class:
1st – Rakkim Ch Marak
2nd – Ezekier A Sangma
3rd – Niangsal G Momin
Novice class:
1st – Chengseng Ch Marak
2nd – Shaun Lalremkuata Changte
3rd – Balkim A Sangma
2-Stroke class:
1st – Patsha Kharkongor
2nd – Tenzy Sangma
3rd – Banjop Umbah
Expert class:
1st – Banteilang Jyrwa
2nd – Evander M Sangma
3rd – Reneky Nongdtu
Open class: (only one champion)
Banteilang Jyrwa
Youngest Rider:
Jayden Nongkhlaw
Best Rider:
Banteilang Jyrwa
Solo female rider:
Nasawea K Marak
