Gulmarg, Sept 22 – In a groundbreaking move for Indian adventure sports, Zabarvan has officially announced the MTB Downhill – Zabarvan Legends Series, the country’s first-ever international downhill mountain biking event. Scheduled to take place in the stunning slopes of Gulmarg from October 9 to 12, the series will feature elite riders from India and across the globe—including participants from Australia, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Italy, Brazil, and Indonesia.
At a press conference, a Zabarvan official detailed the significance of the event as part of the organization’s long-term strategy to unify and uplift the mountain sports community in India. “Zabarvan started with the vision to bring together the fragmented mountain sports scene in India,” the official said.
Phase One of Zabarvan’s journey focused on R&D of affordable, safer sports gear within India. Phase Two emphasized scouting, training, and sponsoring local talent—including Zubair Ahmad Lone, a snowboarder from Kashmir eyeing the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Adil Teli, a Guinness World Record holder preparing to represent India at the UCI competition in Australia.
Phase Three—now launched with the Zabarvan Legends Series—aims to foster grassroots participation through world-class events on home soil. “This series is the result of over a year and a half of collaboration with central and state governments, and the support of our sponsors like Indigo, Spoke Hub, Kirloskar Ferrous, and Span Foundation,” the official stated.
A Pan-India Mountain Biking Series with Local Soul
The series will unfold across three locations—Gulmarg (J&K), Shillong (Meghalaya), and Guwahati (Assam)—each offering diverse terrains and cultural backdrops. In Gulmarg, the spotlight is on a thrilling 2.5 km trail named Draksheen Vaar, built by local hands and minds. This trail will challenge riders’ fitness and skill with its technical layout. A gondola will transport them back to the start for recovery and more runs.
Crucially, the series is not just about adrenaline—it’s about community and culture. The event aims to blend sport, tourism, and storytelling, spotlighting local cuisine, folklore, and youth potential. The organizers praised the support of key figures, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Farooq Shah, and Gulmarg Development Authority CEO Tariq Hussain Naik, as well as the Wildlife and Forest Departments, JKCC Corporation, and the ATV Association of Gulmarg.
Importantly, local volunteers, race marshals, and medics will be the backbone of this event—underscoring Zabarvan’s ethos of empowering the community from the ground up.
