Gulmarg prepares for world-class MTB event

Srinagar, Sep 22: Adventure sports in Kashmir are set for a historic boost with MTB Downhill – Zabarvan Legends Series, the first-ever international mountain biking event of its kind in Gulmarg.
Scheduled from October 9 to 12, the event, will see participation from top national and international athletes from Australia, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia.
Zabarvan Founder Sehan Shetty said the series marks the launch of Phase Three of the organisation’s vision to unify India’s mountain sports community. “This milestone follows 1.5 years of negotiations and support from the central and state governments and coincides with Zabarvan’s second anniversary,” Shetty announced at a press conference.
The Zabarvan Legends Series will feature three challenging races across iconic Indian destinations Gulmarg (Draksheen Vaar), Shillong (Labasa’s Domain) and Guwahati (NgiKham Thunder Run), each designed with unique technical and fitness challenges.
The Gulmarg leg will include a 2.5 km high-difficulty trail requiring extreme skill and endurance, with gondola rides offering riders brief recovery intervals.
Highlighting Zabarvan’s broader mission, Shetty said the initiative also focuses on developing indigenous gear, training and sponsoring local athletes, and creating grassroots events with international competition.
Among the home-grown talents supported by Zabarvan are snowboarder Zubair Ahmad Lone, who is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Guinness record-holding cyclist Adil Teli, set to represent India in an upcoming UCI competition in Australia.
Shetty thanked J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah and officials of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) for their guidance, while acknowledging sponsors Indigo, Spoke Hub, Kirloskar Ferrous, and Span Foundation for making the series possible.
“Our aim is not just a sporting milestone but to showcase Gulmarg’s potential as a premier global adventure destination, blending sport, tourism, and local culture,” Shetty said, noting that all marshals, volunteers, and medics for the event have been recruited locally. (KNO)