Shillong, Oct 13: Phoebe Dale Nongrum, along with her co-driver Venu, secured a remarkable second runner up finish in the prestigious T1 Xtreme Category at the fifth edition of the Rally of Himalayas.
With this podium finish, Phoebe becomes the first female competitor ever to achieve a podium position in this challenging and high-altitude motorsport event.
Adding to the celebrations, Team Phoebe and Venu also received the coveted “Best Team” Trophy, recognizing their outstanding performance, teamwork, and endurance throughout the rally’s demanding stages.
The top honous in the T1 Xtreme Category were clinched by Araya Rana as the Winner, followed by Lakhpa from Arunachal Pradesh as the first runner.
The Rally of Himalayas is a premier motorsport event organized by Himalayan Xtreme Motorsports and sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). The 2025 edition covered some of the toughest terrains in the Indian Himalayas — starting from Manali and traversing through Gramphu, Bathal, Jispa, Darcha, and the Shinku La Pass, extending into the breathtaking yet treacherous Ladakh and Zanskar regions.
Renowned for its rugged landscape, unpredictable weather, and thin air at high altitudes, the Rally of Himalayas is regarded as one of the most physically and mechanically demanding rallies in India. This year’s inclusion of the remote Zanskar region pushed competitors to new limits, testing their skill, courage, and endurance to the fullest.
Phoebe’s podium finish is a landmark moment not just for her state but for women in Indian motorsports as a whole. Her achievement stands as a powerful statement of perseverance, passion, and representation in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Her continued rise from her debut at the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) to this international-level achievement in the Himalayas marks a significant chapter for Meghalaya and the North East’s motorsport journey.
