The Northeast has a new sporting hero as Saurabh Mahanta from Assam achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first person from the Northeastern states of India and only the second Indian ever to be awarded the prestigious ATM Grandmaster Title.

The coveted title, awarded by the Asia Trail Masters (ATM) series, recognizes exceptional performance and commitment across the continent’s most challenging ultra-trail running races.

Mahanta’s achievement places him in an elite class of endurance athletes, highlighting the growing presence and success of Indian athletes in international trail running circuits. His consistent high-level performance throughout the ATM series this season secured him the ranking necessary for the title.

This landmark accomplishment not only brings international acclaim to Assam but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the entire Northeastern region, proving that dedication can lead to success on the global stage.