Gulmarg, October 13, 2025 – In a thrilling fusion of adrenaline and alpine majesty, the snow-capped meadows of #Gulmarg transformed into a high-octane playground over the weekend, hosting the inaugural #ZabarvanLegendsSeries – a groundbreaking #DownhillMTB extravaganza that marks India’s maiden foray into international #mountain #biking competition.Nestled in the shadow of the Pir Panjal range, this iconic ski destination – long revered as Asia’s premier winter sports hub – redefined its legacy on October 12, 2025, by welcoming elite #downhill #biking athletes from across the globe. Organized by adventure pioneers Zabarvan in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and the Gulmarg Development Authority, the event drew a pulsating crowd of spectators, local enthusiasts, and global riders to the rugged Draksheen Vaar trail, a meticulously crafted 2.5-kilometer beast demanding raw power, precision, and unyielding nerve.
The #ZabarvanLegendsSeries – Downhill MTB Championship wasn’t just a race; it was a seismic shift for #adventure #sports in Jammu & Kashmir. Riders from Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, and Italy tore down the Himalayan slopes, blending technical drops, high-speed berms, and heart-stopping jumps against a backdrop of verdant valleys and jagged peaks. Among the luminaries gracing the start line was Samuel Hill, the eight-time World Champion whose gravity-defying style set the tone for the competition; Matej Charvat, the Czech powerhouse ranked fifth globally; and Taiwan’s Dan Chiang, Asia’s reigning downhill king. Indian contingents, including J&K’s own Zubair Ahmad Lone – a Zabarvan-backed snowboarder eyeing the 2026 Winter Olympics – and Adil Teli, the Guinness World Record holder for long-distance cycling and India’s UCI envoy, infused the event with homegrown fire.Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, flagged off the proceedings with resounding applause, hailing the championship as a “game-changer” for #JammuKashmir’s burgeoning #sports #tourism ecosystem. “This isn’t merely an event; it’s a movement to weave adventure sports into the fabric of our youth’s future,” Sharma declared, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure upgrades and youth empowerment.
He spotlighted the seamless collaboration with the Tourism Department and Gulmarg Development Authority, crediting organizer Sehan Shetty – Founder of Zabarvan – for orchestrating this high-stakes spectacle in record time.As the dust settled on the inaugural leg, whispers of future editions echoed through the gondola queues: Shillong in Meghalaya and Guwahati in Assam are next on the #ZabarvanLegendsSeries itinerary, promising to elevate India’s #MTB scene to world-class stature. Local volunteers, marshals, and medics – drawn from Gulmarg’s resilient communities – played pivotal roles, from trail-building to on-site safety, ensuring the event’s seamless pulse while fostering a deeper bond between sport, culture, and the land.For Gulmarg, this #firstever international #downhill #biking triumph signals a year-round renaissance. No longer confined to snowy slopes, the resort emerges as a global beacon for #extreme #sports, inviting thrill-seekers to conquer its trails and discover the untamed spirit of Kashmir. As the echoes of cheering crowds fade into the mountain mist, one thing is crystal clear: the #Himalayan heights have a new roar, and it’s powered by pedals and passion.
