Gulmarg, October 12, 2025 – Nestled in the breathtaking Pir Panjal range, the iconic ski haven of #Gulmarg is set to etch a new chapter in India’s adventure sports legacy as it hosts its maiden international #mountain #downhill #biking event. The much-anticipated #ZabarvanLegendsSeries – Downhill MTB Competition bursts into action tomorrow, October 12, drawing adrenaline junkies and elite athletes from across the globe to Kashmir’s verdant meadows and rugged trails.Organized by adventure outfitters Zabarvan in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and the Gulmarg Development Authority, this groundbreaking #biking extravaganza transforms #Gulmarg from a winter wonderland into a year-round hub for extreme sports. Scheduled as the inaugural leg of a multi-city series – with future editions slated for Shillong and Guwahati – the event promises pulse-pounding descents on a meticulously crafted 3-kilometer downhill track, blending technical rock gardens, high-speed berms, and jaw-dropping alpine vistas.Top #national and #international riders are converging on the meadows, including a stellar lineup from Australia, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Italy, Brazil, and Indonesia. Among the homegrown heroes spotlighted are two prodigious Kashmiri athletes, embodying the Valley’s rising prowess in #mountainbiking.
Local talents Zubair Ahmad Lone – a Zabarvan-supported snowboarder gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics – and Adil Teli, the Guinness World Record holder for long-distance cycling and India’s UCI representative in Australia, will showcase Kashmir’s unyielding spirit on the slopes.”This isn’t just a race; it’s a movement to unite India’s fragmented mountain sports community and spotlight #Gulmarg as a global destination for #downhillbiking,” declared Sehan Shetty, Founder of Zabarvan, during the event’s buildup. After 18 months of tireless negotiations with central and state governments, the series marks Phase Three of Zabarvan’s ambitious push, coinciding with the brand’s second anniversary. Backed by sponsors like Indigo, Spoke Hub, Kirloskar Ferrous, and Span Foundation, the competition underscores sustainable tourism, with local enthusiasts hand-building the trail and recruiting marshals, volunteers, and medics from the community.As international and #national athletes touched down in #Gulmarg earlier this week, the air buzzed with excitement. Riders marveled at the Valley’s pristine landscapes, with one Australian competitor quipping, “This could rival Whistler – but with Himalayan magic.”
The event, sanctioned under CFI guidelines, anticipates over 100 participants vying for glory in categories spanning elite pros to junior hopefuls, all while promoting eco-conscious practices in this UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.Beyond the thrills, the #ZabarvanLegendsSeries aims to inspire the next generation of Kashmiri adventurers, fostering inclusivity and economic uplift in a region renowned for its resilience. With gondola rides offering prime viewing spots and post-race festivities featuring live music and local cuisine, #Gulmarg invites spectators to witness history in the making.
