Srinagar, Sep 22, KNT: Gulmarg is set to host a first-of-its-kind international downhill mountain biking event as Zabarvan announced the launch of the MTB Downhill – Zabarvan Legends Series, scheduled from October 9 to 12. The competition will see top riders from India and abroad, including athletes from Australia, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Italy, Brazil, and Indonesia.
At a press conference, Zabarvan officials said the event represents Phase Three of their long-term plan to bring together India’s mountain sports community. They explained that Phase One involved developing gear within India to cut costs and improve safety standards, while Phase Two focused on scouting, training, and supporting athletes.
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Among those supported by Zabarvan are Kashmiri athletes making their mark internationally. Zubair Ahmad Lone is currently training as a snowboarder for the 2026 Winter Olympics, while Adil Teli, who holds a Guinness World Record in long-distance cycling, will represent India at the upcoming UCI event in Australia.
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Officials said Phase Three will blend grassroots participation with international competition to inspire young talent and raise the standard of Indian riders. “After more than a year of consultations with central and state governments, and with backing from sponsors Indigo, Spoke Hub, Kirloskar Ferrous, and Span Foundation, we are launching the Zabarvan Legends Series as part of our second anniversary celebrations,” one official noted.
The series will be staged across three locations, Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Shillong in Meghalaya, and Guwahati in Assam. Each venue, organisers said, offers unique geographical challenges while also allowing visitors to experience local culture, food, and folklore.
The Gulmarg race will be held on a 2.5-kilometre trail known as Draksheen Vaar, which demands both high fitness levels and strong technical ability. Riders will make use of the Gulmarg gondola for their return journey to the starting point, enabling quick recovery and repeat practice runs.
The organisers acknowledged support from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah, and CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority Tariq Hussain Naik. They also thanked the Wildlife and Forest Departments, JKCC Corporation, the ATV Association of Gulmarg, and local individuals including Hassan Lalla, Zubair and Ahmad Lone for helping secure necessary clearances.
The trail itself has been built with the help of local enthusiasts, with race marshals, volunteers, and medical staff recruited from within the Valley. Officials said this approach underlines Zabarvan’s commitment to combining international sport with community participation.
Organisers expressed hope that the event will not only attract riders from across the globe but also boost tourism in Kashmir by showcasing Gulmarg as a destination for adventure sports. They added that the Legends Series is designed to highlight how sport, culture, and local economies can connect and grow together. [KNT]
