Photo Courtesy: nenews
Itanagar: Rubi Lombo has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first mountain biking (MTB) coach from Arunachal Pradesh to be selected by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the Indian national squad. Hailing from Anini in the Dibang Valley district, Lombo is also the first woman from her state to earn certification as a commissaire at the National Road Cycling Championship, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women in the sport.
The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) confirmed Lombo's role as part of the coaching and support staff for the Asian Mountain Bike Championships 2026, scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from June 23 to June 26. Before heading to the continental competition, Lombo will join the team at a month-long national coaching camp held at Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh, starting on May 22 and concluding on June 20.
The Indian contingent for the championships includes riders across Elite, Under-23, and Junior categories, representing diverse regions such as Ladakh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and the Army and Air Force adventure wings. Lombo will work alongside fellow staff members Kulwant Singh, N. Lokesh, Prashant Bhatt, and Vivek Kumar to guide these athletes.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised her accomplishment, noting that her selection serves as a major milestone for the Northeast. In a statement on social media, Khandu expressed his pride and encouraged Lombo to continue inspiring a new generation of cyclists. Lombo's journey, which began in the rugged terrains of the Dibang Valley, continues to be a testament to her dedication and leadership in professional cycling.
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