PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Surya Devbhoomi Challenge successfully concluded on Sunday at Sonprayag. Held across some of the most difficult and inaccessible terrains of the state, this extraordinary adventure brought together participants from across the country to test their physical toughness and mental strength.
Passing through steep slopes and densely forested terrains, the challenge was not only a race against time but also a celebration of the natural beauty and cultural richness of Uttarakhand. The event showcased Uttarakhand’s unique potential as a destination for adventure sports and eco-tourism.
Organised by the Indian Army with support from local authorities and tourism bodies, the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge ran for three days from April 18 to 20. The participants displayed their courage and endurance through mountain biking, trail running and track running.
A total of 134 men and seven women participated in this challenge in different age groups. In the male category (under 35), Kamlesh Rawat came first, Narendra Singh second and Rishabh Mingwal third. Among males (35 to 45) Satpal, Krashanvendra Singh and Arvind Singh came first, second and third respectively. In the above 45 group, Kalam Singh came first, followed by Rajendra Prasad Joshi and Shivanand in second and third positions respectively. In the women (under 35), Preeti came first while Anjali Bhandari and Kirti Yadav also completed the race in this category. In the above 45 group, Vandana Singh came first.
The winners were awarded by lieutenant general Anindya Sengupta, general officer commanding-in-chief, Central Command.
