Veteran rallyists Along Aier and Vikishe Shohe are set to represent Nagaland and the Nagaland Adventure and Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) at the 6th Rally of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, 25 years after their historic victory in the Raid de Himalaya.

A ceremonial flag-off for the duo was held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, on Tuesday. T. John Longkumer IPS (Retd), DGP (Retd) and State Election Commissioner, Nagaland, attended the programme as the special guest.

Congratulating Aier and Shohe, Longkumer recalled their victory in the inaugural Raid de Himalaya and said it was significant that the two were still ready to take on the challenge 25 years later.

“Today, 25 years on, they’re still raring to go. They still look young, energetic and I think they’re ready to fly off,” he said.

Longkumer also expressed hope that the duo would be able to repeat their earlier achievement, asking, “What they achieved 25 years ago, why not today also?”

He further said their participation could serve as an inspiration for young motorists from Nagaland.

According to NAMSA, Aier and Shohe had won the 4x4 Extreme Category Championship Trophy in the Raid de Himalaya in 2001 during their maiden participation. Their return to the Rally of Himalayas marks the Silver Jubilee of the achievement.

The 6th Rally of Himalayas will be held in Himachal Pradesh.