Adonis Khariksing Tangpu, National MTB Champion Felicitated

Adonis Khariksing Tangpu the undisputed National MTB Champion of 2021 was facilitated today by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh and IGP (administration) IK Muivah at Imphal.

Known in the cycling circle as Adonis, the 18-year-old won two gold medals and one bronze at the just concluded 18th MTB National Championship, 2021-2022 which kick started from 26th and and ended on 31st October at Alandi, Pune.

Adonis, son of Dr Vareishang Tangpu and Glory Tangpu of Peh village also bagged hat-rick gold medals in the 17th National MTB Cycling Championship held at Gadag, North Karnataka from 19-21 February 2021.

Acknowledging the achievement at the national championship, N Biren applauded Adonis and assured him of all the support he needs to compete in the upcoming Asian Championship. The chief minister also expressed his concern for the youths and his readiness to help and assist the youths in all his capacity.

Two promising riders from Ukhrul distirct, Adones and Yursem A Chihu participated in the championship at Alandi, the first for team Chiko Adventures. The duo were selected by Manipur Mountain Bike Association (MAAMBA) from the state, after a tough selection process on October 18 to participate in the national championship.

All together, seven cyclists were selected out of which two cyclists from Chiko Adventures were selected to participate for the national championship – Adonis for MTB Cross Country and Yursem A Chihui for MTB Downhill.

Yursem A Chihui failed to clinch any medals this year securing the 8th position in downhill, senior MTB men’s category.

As per news reports, a record number of 443 cyclists participated from 26 different states at Alandi this year.

Chiko Adventures also extended their gratitude to their team Advisor IK Muivah (IPS) and MK Preshow Shimray, former deputy speaker and intending BJP candidate for 45-Chingai AC for their guidance and helping arrange the felicitation with the chief minister.

IK Muivah (IPS) Advisor team Chicko Adventures speaking to Ukhrul Times said, “Ukhrul district and the Tangkhul community has rich sporting talent pool. Adonis is one of those rich sport talents among the Tangkhul youths. The key important factor required at this stage is nurturing of sports talents, especially financial support, coaching and mentoring etc. so that young talent like Adonis and many others will be able to reach International championship levels and win medals, just as he has shown in national levels.”

Here’s a glimpse of Adonis’ position in the world of cycling sport.

Position in National Championship:

2018 National Championship – Gold in XCO and XCT (SUB JUNIOR CATEGORY- UNDER 17)

2020 National Championship – Gold in XCO and XCT ( MEN JUNIOR CATEGORY – UNDER 19), which was supposed to be held in the year 2019, inevitable postponed to the following year i.e. 2020

2021 National Championship – Gold in XCO and XCT ( MEN JUNIOR CATEGORY – UNDER 19), which was supposed to be held in the year 2020, inevitable postponed to the following year i.e. 2021.

Position in Asian Championship:

2019 Asian Championship – 15th Position  (MEN JUNIOR CATEGORY – UNDER 19)

2020 Asian Championship – 6th Position ( MEN JUNIOR CATEGORY – UNDER 19).

Position in Open National Races:

2019 Kerala MTB (UCI CLASS 2 ) – 10th Position ( INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY)

2019 Western Valley, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – Gold  in the Elite  XCO Category

2021 X County Extreme, Chandigarh – Gold in Elite XCO Category.