Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Bollywood star Salman Khan attended a curtain-raiser event for the second 'MTB Arunachal Mountain Bicycle Race' here Thursday.
The 650-km race from Mechuka Valley in Arunachal Pradesh to the state's capital Itanagar will start on November 14, and participants are expected to finish it within seven days.
"Google Earth has described the route from Mechuka to Itanagar as the world's toughest, so this bicycle race would be the toughest bicycle rally," said Rijiju.
On the way, riders will pass through dense rain forests and river-beds, he said.
"More than 100 professional cyclists from 10 countries along with some members of our paramilitary forces are participating in it," he said.
Salman said he has special affection for the Northeastern state as his film "Tubelight" was set there.
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"I personally support cycling as it is good for health and you don't get injured severely (in case of accident). Compared to motorcycle, you will not get hurt as badly if you are riding a bicycle," the actor said.
Rijiju in his speech lauded Salman for his philanthropy.
"Salman Khan is the most philanthropic person in the Bollywood I have come across...He does not think of himself. He lives for people," the minister said.
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