Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: In a landmark achievement for sports in Northeast India, mountain biking coach Rubi Lombo has been appointed to the Team India contingent for the Asian Mountain Bike Championships 2026. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from June 23 to 26. This selection marks the first time a coach from Arunachal Pradesh has been included in the national squad for this continental competition.
Selected by the Sports Authority of India, Lombo holds the distinction of being the only woman from her home state to participate as part of the official team. A native of Anini in the Dibang Valley district, she has emerged as a pioneering figure in the cycling community. In addition to her coaching success, Lombo recently made history as the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to earn certification as a commissaire at the National Road Cycling Championship.
To prepare for the upcoming games, the national team will assemble for a month-long training camp held at Shilaroo in Himachal Pradesh, starting May 22 and concluding on June 20. The diverse Indian contingent features talented riders from across the country, representing the Army Adventure Wing, the Air Force, and states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. The team spans the Elite, Under-23, and Junior categories.
Lombo’s appointment is widely viewed as a major milestone for Arunachal Pradesh. Her journey serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region, particularly for women looking to pursue professional careers in cycling.
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