Veteran rallyists Along Aier, Vikishe Shohe flagged off for 6th Rally of Himalayas

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 22

Veteran rallyists Along Aier and Vikishe Shohe were ceremonially flagged off from Dimapur on Tuesday, September 22, as they set out to represent Nagaland and the Nagaland Adventure and Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) at the sixth edition of the Rally of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh.

The ceremony was held here, at Hotel Saramati, and flagged off by former Director General of Police and State Election Commissioner of Nagaland T John Longkumer in the presence of NAMSA members and well wishers.

The duo’s participation carries added significance as it marks 25 years since their landmark achievement at the 2001 Raid de Himalaya, where they won the 4x4 Extreme category championship in their maiden appearance.

Their return to the Himalayan rally circuit commemorates the silver jubilee of that achievement and the legacy they established in Indian motorsport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Longkumer congratulated Aier and Shohe for bringing laurels to Nagaland through their historic performance in 2001. He noted that even after 25 years, the two veterans are still “raring to go and they still look young and energetic.”

Longkumer also called for greater opportunities for younger Naga rallyists and motorists. He said organisations such as NAMSA and the Nagaland Flatfenders Club (NFC) have an important role to play in providing younger generation with platforms and a space to develop their skills.

“Nagaland has talented motorists and beautifully restored vehicles, but many of them remain confined to garages,” he observed.

He said that support for young rallyists should extend beyond sponsorship, stating that motivation, encouragement and proper opportunities were equally important.

According to him, well-conceived ideas and professionally planned rally programmes could eventually attract sponsors and create sustainable platforms for aspiring motorists.

Longkumer urged NAMSA and the NFC to work together in developing such opportunities, while expressing hope that the state could once again produce a new generation of rallyists and motorists like the duo. Longkumer wished the two veterans success in the rally.

Along Aier, meanwhile, said the main event would begin on September 27 and conclude on September 30. He said the first leg would start from Manali and head towards Kaza in the Spiti Valley, before proceeding through Jispa and Padum and eventually reaching Ladakh on September 30.