Team Rutsa-Meyase win JK Tyre Hornbill Off-Roading event

Kohima, Dec 5 (IANS) The formidable team of Aviu Rutsa/Neiketoulie Meyase and co-drivers Rudkuobetvo/Pete cracked the testing mountainous terrain here to emerge victors in the JK Tyre Hornbill Off-Roading Cup.Yanger Lushang/Maken Lepden and Bento Swu/Bovito Kiho claimed the runners-up position while Ikweithing (Justin)/Kenrak Thou and Irietui/Elu finished third in the 1.5 kilometre course that comprised six gruelling challenges and obstacles.Each team comprises two cars, manned by a driver and a co-driver, to help each other tackle the various obstacles together.Abemo Yanthan was adjudged the best spotter while Aviu Rutsa added another feather to his cap by winning the best off-road rig as well.It is the first time that the off-road event has been added to the annual JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally which is in its ninth year of existence.The rally coincides with the famous Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, a seven-day extravaganza of cultural performances, ethnic food courts, handlooms and handicrafts bazaars, film and art festivals, fashion shows and a national rock contest.Earlier on Monday, defending champion Gagan Sethi and co-driver Sabatullah Khan stole the show in the picturesque hills by winning the TSD rally spread over 55 kilometres.The rally concludes with the World War 2 Peace Rally, that pays homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Kohima.
--IANS ajb/sed