Guwahati: Rally driver Aneesh M. Sangma’s victory in the X3 Extreme category at the 2026 Rally of the Himalayas has brought fresh recognition to Garo Hills motorsport, as the Tura Motor Sports Club (TMSC) announced two major events scheduled for later this month and November.

At a press conference held at Bonepa in Tura on Friday, the club felicitated Aneesh for winning his category and finishing fifth overall in the high-altitude rally, held from September 26 to 30 across Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Driving car No. 112 with co-driver Goutham CP, Aneesh navigated demanding mountain routes, including the 16,580-foot Shinku La Pass, to secure the category victory.

The achievement adds to his growing record in Indian motorsport. In July 2025, Aneesh and co-driver Dinky Varghese won the Gypsy category at the Indian National Rally Championship’s Rally of Coimbatore, securing TMSC’s first national-level INRC victory. The pair went on to win the Gypsy category at the Blueband Robusta Rally in Coorg, Karnataka, in November that year, with Aneesh claiming the National Champion title for the second time in 2025.

His participation in this year’s Rally of the Himalayas also made him the first rally driver from Garo Hills to compete in the event. The competition tested drivers’ endurance, navigation and vehicle control across rugged terrain, extreme elevations and unpredictable weather.

Aneesh credited hard work and determination for his performance, while acknowledging the support he had received from TMSC throughout his development as a racer.

“Their help has been immense and without their support it would have been a more difficult journey,” he said, also thanking Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, the state sports minister and Tura MP James Sangma for their support.

Recalling the difficult conditions at the Himalayan rally, Aneesh said the weather and early starts posed major challenges.

“We woke up at 3 AM and reported at 4:30 AM in freezing conditions. The race required not only us keeping healthy but also to ensure a healthy engine. It was a tough race and I am glad that I took the podium and made our state proud,” he said.

Aneesh said he planned to enter the international racing circuit, with a race in Thailand scheduled for November this year. He also expressed confidence in the region’s potential to produce more motorsport talent, saying residents of the state were natural drivers.

Tura to host two motorsport events

Alongside the felicitation, TMSC announced two upcoming events aimed at strengthening the motorsport scene in Tura.

Moto X 2026, the club’s two-wheeler motocross event, will be held at Dodenanggre in Tura on October 30 and 31. The competition will feature five categories: Beginners, Novice, Expert, 2-Stroke Open and Kids.

The club’s four-wheeler motorsport event, Bilgaro-XI, is scheduled at the same venue from November 12 to 14.

TMSC said the newly introduced Kids category was intended to nurture young talent and provide aspiring riders with an opportunity to develop their skills and discipline. Organisers expect prominent names from the motorsport circuit to participate in both events this year.

Established in 2015, TMSC has expanded its activities over the years, bringing together competitors and enthusiasts from across the region. The club aims to establish Tura and Garo Hills as a recognised destination for motorsport and adventure tourism.

According to the club, motorsport events could help boost tourism, support the hospitality sector and local businesses, and create employment opportunities.

Safety arrangements, including track preparation, medical facilities, emergency response and spectator management, are being prioritised in coordination with the district administration and police, TMSC said.

The club acknowledged the support of the Department of Tourism, its primary sponsor, as well as volunteers, well-wishers and other departments. It expressed hope that Aneesh’s achievements would inspire more young people from the region to pursue motorsport and attract participants from across the country in the coming years.