The misty, rugged trails of Mahendragiri, Odisha, played host to the 23rd Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior National Mountain Bike (MTB) Cycling Championship. Against steep gradients, unforgiving technical descents, and intense competition from across the country, Team Himachal Pradesh delivered an unforgettable performance, riding away with a massive haul of 8 medals (6 Silver, 2 Bronze) and a streak of impressive top-10 finishes.

For years, Himachal Pradesh has been synonymous with mountain biking in India, and this championship confirmed that the state remains a dominant powerhouse in the sport.

The Medal Harvest: Pure Grit on the Dirt

Team Himachal’s riders pushed their limits across every event—Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Cross-Country Time Trial (XCT), Cross-Country Elimination (XCE), and Downhill (DHI).

Here is how our champions took the podium:

1. Ashish Sherpa (Men Elite): The standout performer of the championship, Ashish put on a masterclass in endurance and technical skill, capturing 3 Medals—two Silvers in the demanding Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-Country Time Trial (XCT), alongside a Bronze in the high-speed Cross-Country Elimination (XCE) event.
2. Om Sharma (Men Junior): Proving that the future of Himachali cycling is in safe hands, Om stormed through the Junior category to bag 2 Silver Medals in both the XCO and XCT disciplines.
3. Anirudh: Showcasing versatility and grit, Anirudh claimed 2 Medals—a Silver in XCO and a hard-earned Bronze in XCT.
4. Anurag Thakur (Men Elite Downhill): Facing the treacherous drops of the Mahendragiri downhill track, Anurag flew through the descent to lock in a Silver Medal in the Men Elite Downhill (DHI) event.

Depth Across Every Category

Beyond the medal tally, Team Himachal showcased depth across senior, junior, and sub-junior categories, proving that grassroots development programs are bearing fruit:

1. Men Elite Downhill (DHI): Aditya secured 5th place, while Mayank earned an impressive 8th place finish.
2. Men Junior XCO: Jagtar battled his way to 5th place, followed closely by Adhirath Singh Walia in 7th.
3. Men Under-23 XCO: Vansh Kalia held his ground against tough competition to finish 6th.
4. Sub-Junior Boys XCO: Team Himachal dominated the top tier with Aarush Sharma (7th), Sudeept Katoch (8th), and Tanzin Jungne (9th) all landing in the top ten.

Voices from the Trail

The emotional high of standing on the national podium was palpable among the riders following the races.

"To stand on the national podium three times for Himachal Pradesh is an incredible honor," said Ashish Sherpa. "The terrain in Mahendragiri was demanding, but intense preparation and teamwork carried us through to the finish line."

"Winning two silvers at the national level is an encouraging milestone," added Om Sharma. "This success reflects the strong support system we have at Him Cycling and pushes us to aim for gold in the next edition."

Riding Into the Future

This 8-medal triumph at the National Championship marks another milestone in Himachal’s mountain biking journey. From the high-altitude trails of the Himalayas to the rugged tracks of Odisha, Team Himachal has once again shown the nation what true grit, endurance, and passion look like.

As our athletes return home to regroup and train for upcoming national and international circuits, the message is clear: The climb never stops.