Shillong, Oct 6: Meghalaya cyclists returned from the 23rd National MTB Championship 2026 in Odisha with five medals, including three gold and two bronze, in a strong performance across the Sub-Junior, Under-23 and Senior categories.
The four-day national championship was held at Mahendragiri in Odisha from October 1 to 4. It was conducted under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and hosted by the Odisha Cycling Association (OCA) with support from the Gajapati district administration.
Around 800 cyclists from different parts of the country took part in the championship, which featured competitions across multiple age categories. Organisers prepared a challenging mountain biking course incorporating steep uphill, flat and downhill sections, testing the riders across different aspects of MTB racing.
A total of 13 cyclists represented Meghalaya at the national championship.
Sharailang Basaiamoit emerged as one of the state’s leading performers, winning gold in the Senior Under-23 Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) and bronze in the Cross Country Mass Start (XCE).
Kevin Lyngdoh Sangriang was the most successful Meghalaya cyclist at the championship, securing two gold medals in the Sub-Junior Cross Country Time Trial (XCT) and Mass Start events (XCO). Taitus Ch. Sangma completed the state’s medal tally with a bronze in the Senior Downhill event.
Speaking to reporters at the Shillong Press Club after returning from Odisha, Basaiamoit said the achievement was particularly meaningful to him given his family’s financial circumstances. He thanked his coach, the Meghalaya Cycling Association (MCA), his parents and other family members for their support throughout his cycling journey.
According to the Meghalaya Cycling Association, the championship marked the first time Meghalaya secured medals at the national-level Senior Cross Country MTB Championship, representing an important milestone for the state’s cross-country cycling programme.
