Highlights J&K’s Growing Potential in Adventure Sports
GULMARG: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated the Zabarvan Legends Series 2025 – Downhill Mountain Biking Championship at the scenic slopes of Gulmarg.
Organized by Zabarvan, this event marks the first-ever international downhill mountain biking series hosted in Jammu & Kashmir, positioning the region prominently on the global adventure sports map.
Speaking at the occasion, Satish Sharma hailed the initiative as a landmark moment for the youth and sports sector of J&K. He said that events like the Zabarvan Legends Series not only promote adventure tourism but also inspire young people to explore emerging sports disciplines, creating new opportunities for employment and recognition.
“This championship reflects the dynamic energy of our youth and the immense potential of Jammu & Kashmir to emerge as a global destination for adventure and outdoor sports,” the Minister remarked.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting adventure sports and strengthening sports infrastructure across the Union Territory.
Sharma also appreciated the efforts of the Zabarvan Foundation for organizing the championship and thanked all participating athletes for showcasing their skills in Gulmarg. He interacted with young adventure enthusiasts, encouraging them to pursue cycling and other outdoor sports professionally.
The championship featured participation from world-renowned mountain bikers, including Samuel Hill, 8-time World Champion; Matej Charvat, ranked 5th globally; and Asian Champion Dan Chiang, along with other international and national riders from Iran, Brazil, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia, and various states of India, including Jammu and Kashmir.
