The Adventure and Motorsports Association Mokokchung (AMAM) organized 8th AUTO MOTO X 2025 event, Powered by JK Tyre, was held at Sungratsu Sports Complex and Yimchalu Tourist Village, Mokokchung on 17th and 18th January 2025. The event concluded with Temjenmenba, MLA and Advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Government of Nagaland, gracing the closing ceremony as the special guest.

In his address, Temjenmenba expressed optimism about the motorsports event, noting the participation of 53 contestants in the Auto category and 10 in Moto X as an encouraging sign. He congratulated all participants for their passion and dedication to the event and acknowledged the tremendous effort required by the organizers to host the event at Yimchalu Village. He also appreciated the cooperation of the villagers in making the event a success.

Highlighting the event’s history, Temjenmenba noted that this is the 8th edition of Motor X organized by the Adventure Motorsports Association of Mokokchung (AMAM) since 2012. He mentioned that the first Motor X event was held in 1999, and this year marks its silver jubilee.

Encouraging AMAM, he stated, “I urge you to plan a grand silver jubilee celebration for the 9th edition of Motor X. The leadership role you play in promoting motorsports in Nagaland is commendable, and I envision Mokokchung leading the way in this field.”

The Advisor also emphasized the need for AMAM to become a self-reliant institution. “Organizing motorsports events is an expensive affair, and many organizations struggle due to dependence on donations. AMAM must explore ways to develop a steady source of income to sustain itself and organize bigger and better events,” he said. He hoped AMAM would grow into a premier institution in motorsports, with the potential to make the event a prominent fixture on the national and even international motorsports calendar.

Temjenmenba congratulated the winners and encouraged all participants to continue their involvement in the coming years. He urged participants from across districts and states to provide constructive feedback to the organizers to help improve future editions of the event.

He congratulated the winners and encouraged the participants to return in the coming years with the spirit of winning. He also urged people from outside the region to participate in such events, saying, “Your participation will help bring the Northeast to the international arena in the field of motorsports.”

Also in his speech, Temjenmenba lauded Yimchalu Village for its visionary approach in establishing a farming village that fosters self-reliance among its residents. “In today’s time, when government job opportunities are limited, Yimchalu sets an example for self-sufficiency. This is the direction our society needs to move toward,” he remarked.

Yimchalu Village Council Chairman, Wati Walling, expressed gratitude to the Adventure Motorsports Association of Mokokchung (AMAM) for organizing a major motorsports event in Yimchalu Village. In his address, Walling acknowledged that this is not the first motorsports event held in the village, as similar events have been organized 2–3 times in the past. He commended AMAM for nurturing young motorsports enthusiasts and congratulated all participants and winners across various categories, stating that their efforts are an inspiration to the motorsports community.

“There will always be winners, and losing is a part of competition, but your participation is an encouragement to all motorsports enthusiasts,” he remarked.

Walling highlighted Yimchalu’s transformation since its establishment in 2007 as a farming village. While the village spans a large area, residential settlements remain scattered across nine sectors, connected primarily by kaccha (unpaved) roads, with only the main road being pakka (paved).

“When the previous motorsports event was held, it was conducted on the kaccha roads. Now, with the pakka road, we’ve seen significant changes, enabling us to host the event on a tarmac track,” Walling said, adding that the improved infrastructure has enhanced the motorsports experience.

The Village Council Chairman also addressed safety and public inconvenience caused by hosting the event on the main road. He emphasized the risks involved, including halting public activities and the associated dangers of motorsports.

“To minimize inconvenience and risks, the Yimchalu Village Council has resolved not to permit future motorsports events on the main road. However, we encourage organizers to use the sector roads, which can be developed for such events,” he stated.

Walling urged AMAM to consider interventions for improving sector roads to accommodate motorsports in the future. “If AMAM can bring development projects to enhance these sector roads, they can become viable venues for major motorsports events,” he added.

In conclusion, Walling reaffirmed the village’s support for motorsports while emphasizing the need for collaboration to ensure safety and convenience for all stakeholders.

Thezieu Kire from Kohima Adventure Motorsport Club (KAMC) secured the overall championship title in the 8th edition of AUTO MOTO X 2025, organized by the Adventure Motorsports Association of Mokokchung (AMAM). Notably, Kire was also the overall champion of the previous edition.

Winners of AMAM’s 8th AUTO MOTO X 2025

Motor X Category

Champion: Akhotuo (Kohima)

First Runner-up: Akho Rhakho (Kohima)

Second Runner-up: Liron Ovung (Dimapur)

Below 1300CC Category

Champion: Thezieu Kire (KAMC)

First Runner-up: Kima Jamir (Spearhead)

Second Runner-up: Kakawe Shohe (P. Vizheto)

SUV Category

Champion: Kamalesh Das

First Runner-up: Kima Jamir (Spearhead)

Second Runner-up: Abemo Naga (P. Vizheto)

Open Category

Champion: Thezieu Kire (KAMC)

First Runner-up: Kima Jamir (Spearhead)

Second Runner-up: Among Jamir (P. Vizheto)

Best Timings

Day 1: David Rhakho (Team RD Dimapur)

Day 2: Thezieu Kire (KAMC)

Read more: Inspiring story of David Rhakho: Epitome of determination and hard work

Thezieu Kire, a 28-year-old from Kohima representing KAMC, was crowned the overall champion at the motorsports event. Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Kire shared that this was his 8th participation in such motorsports events, of which he has won seven. This marked his second time competing in an event organized in Mokokchung district.

When asked about his experience in Mokokchung, Kire said, “It was very interesting and fascinating.” He added, “This time was much better than the last because the event was organized on pakka roads with a tarmac track.” He also assured his participation in future events.

When asked about the career prospects in motorsports, Kire affirmed that there are opportunities for those with passion and enthusiasm. “There are avenues in this field, and my career depends on motorsports, though I also run a side business to support myself,” he shared. He credited his participation in district and state-level events for helping him gain valuable skills, knowledge, and focus areas that have benefited him in many aspects of life.

Kire revealed that he would next compete in Guwahati, Assam, in February.

For aspiring riders, Kire offered this advice:

“Believe in God, work hard, and stay disciplined. With focus, stamina, and the right mindset, everything is possible. Never stop learning and always aim to improve yourself.”

Akhotuo, a 30-year-old graduate from Kohima representing Throttle Misfits, shared his experiences and insights with Nagaland Tribune during the motorsports event. Akhotuo emerged the champion of the Motor X category. This marked his fifth participation in such events, driven by what he described as his “passion and hobby.”

Akhotuo remarked that participating in Mokokchung was a unique and exciting experience as it was his first time competing in the district. “It was very interesting, and I was impressed with the quality of the roads and the destination,” he said.

So far, Akhotuo has won four trophies in motorsports events. When asked about the potential of pursuing motorsports as a career, he expressed optimism. “This field has scope if you have the passion and desire to excel, not just in riding but also by learning the technical and manual aspects of the sport,” he explained.

Apart from participating in motorsports events, Akhotuo does business to support himself. He assured his participation in the next edition of the event.

His advice to aspiring participants is to pursue the sport with enthusiasm, balance it with technical knowledge, and enjoy the journey.

(Credit for all race photos: Moa_Among_Pongen)