Kurseong Cyclist Erinhang Subba to Represent Region at National Mountain Bike Championship in Arunachal Pradesh
A young cyclist from the hills of Darjeeling is set to compete on the national stage, highlighting the growing presence of mountain biking talent from the region. Erinhang Subba, a resident of Upper Dumaram in Kurseong, has been selected to take part in the National Mountain Bike Cycling Championship, scheduled to be held from February 12 to 15 in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh.
His selection follows a strong performance at a regional mountain biking event held in Darjeeling earlier this year, where he secured the top position in his category. The achievement has drawn attention to both his personal dedication and the emerging cycling culture in the hill areas.
From Local Trails to National Arena
Erinhang’s journey into competitive cycling began during the Covid-19 period, when many young people in the hills turned to outdoor sports and fitness activities. Over the past few years, he has participated in several competitions at the local and state levels, gradually building experience in mountain biking—a discipline that demands endurance, technical skill, and control over rough terrain.
Mountain biking has found natural appeal in the Darjeeling hills, where winding roads, forest tracks, and steep gradients provide challenging routes for riders. Sports enthusiasts say the geography of the region offers an ideal training ground, though access to advanced equipment, coaching, and financial support remains a challenge for many athletes.
Erinhang’s recent win in Darjeeling served as a qualifying achievement, opening the door for him to represent the region at the national championship. According to information shared during a press interaction in Kurseong, he is scheduled to leave for Roing on February 5 to prepare ahead of the competition.
Support from Public Representatives
The young cyclist’s progress has received encouragement from public representatives in the hills. During a media interaction held in Kurseong, Member of Parliament Shyam Sherpa expressed appreciation for Erinhang’s achievement and indicated his willingness to extend necessary assistance for the athlete’s participation at the national level.
Sherpa described the selection as a proud moment for the hills and noted that support for young sportspersons is essential for building long-term sporting success in the region. He said promising athletes often face logistical and financial hurdles while competing outside the state, and institutional backing can help ease those challenges.
Similarly, GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) Chief Anit Thapa has also been approached for assistance to help facilitate the athlete’s travel and participation. Local leaders have increasingly emphasized the importance of promoting sports as a pathway for youth engagement, health, and career opportunities.
GTA Region’s Growing Presence in Cycling
Erinhang is not the only rider from the hills heading to the national championship. Reports indicate that five cyclists from the GTA region are expected to compete in this year’s event, underlining a steady rise in interest and performance in competitive cycling from the area.
Sports organisers in the Darjeeling hills say cycling events have seen higher participation in recent years, with young riders taking part in road races, cross-country events, and mountain biking competitions. However, they also point out the need for better infrastructure, including training facilities, professional coaching, and sponsorship support.
Mountain biking, in particular, is still developing as a structured sport in many parts of India. National-level events provide exposure to varied terrain and competition standards, offering riders an opportunity to test themselves against top athletes from across the country.
What the Championship Means for Young Athletes
The National Mountain Bike Cycling Championship serves as a key platform for identifying and nurturing talent in the discipline. Performance at such events can open doors to advanced training camps, recognition from sports bodies, and future selection opportunities.
For athletes from hill regions, participation also carries symbolic value, demonstrating that local terrain-based sports can lead to wider recognition. Coaches in the region say that success stories like Erinhang’s can motivate other young riders to take the sport seriously and pursue structured training.
Looking Ahead
As Erinhang Subba prepares to travel to Arunachal Pradesh, his participation reflects both personal determination and the broader sporting potential of the Darjeeling hills. With increasing attention from community leaders and sports enthusiasts, the focus now shifts to how young athletes can be supported consistently beyond individual events.
Whether through infrastructure, financial aid, or institutional backing, sustained support will play a crucial role in ensuring that talents from remote and hill regions continue to find space on national platforms. For now, Erinhang’s journey to Roing stands as a moment of encouragement for aspiring cyclists across the region.
