A total of 32 cars, including nine cars from Bhutan, competing in the third Indo-Bhutan friendship car rally finally reached Phuentsholing yesterday afternoon, successfully completing its 2nd leg which began from Siliguri in West Bengal on 4 Feb.

Though the rally began from Kolkata on 31 January the actual rally began from Siliguri to Phuentsholing, driving the distance of 270 km.

The first car reached Phuentsholing at around 2 pm yesterday and the participants were received by Dasho Dzongda, Tshewang  Rinzin and  Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) members  of Phuentsholing chapter.

Today, the competitors will drive to Gelephu and begin the 3rd leg. The rally will be flagged off by the Consul General of India, A Natarajan at 8 am (BST). The final leg of the rally will conclude in Thimphu on 6 February.

The main objective of holding such event was not only to bond the friendship between Bhutan and India but also to introduce motor sport in Bhutan, increase tourism and also to promote such games in Bhutan, according to the president of the association, pratim Chowdhury.

The association president said: “The participants really enjoyed the rally and it was successful though few cars had some mechanical problem on the way. But everything was fine.”

One of the Bhutanese participants, Thinlay Wangchuk a businessman based in Gomtu who has been participating since the first Indo-Bhutan car rally and is driving car number 33 said: “The experience was very good though the dirt tracks were challenging which really tried our driving skills. This time, I am expecting to win though I have two more legs to complete.”

The entry fee of Nu 20,000 for every car was collected and till the end of the rally fooding and accommodation of the participations is looked after by the Friendship car Rally Association.

There are five categories for Indian participants and three for Bhutanese and the total prize amount is Nu 250,000.

The distribution of the prize and announcement of the results will be on 7 February at the clock tower square at 4 pm at Thimphu. Besides that, an Indian music group will also perform during the prize distribution ceremony.

The event is organized by Friendship Car Rally Association and sponsored by JK Tyres and National Insurance.

By Chencho Dema in PHUENTSHOLING