The first edition of the WingManX Awards 2025–26 concluded recently at Hyatt Pune, recognising individuals and riding communities that have shaped India’s motorcycling landscape through leadership, responsibility and sustained contribution. The ceremony brought together riders, community organisers and invited guests from across the country, marking one of India’s earliest large-scale recognition platforms dedicated solely to rider-led and grassroots contributors within the motorcycling ecosystem.
Hosted by actor and emcee Aman Yatan Verma, the evening blended personal stories with celebration, spotlighting riders whose influence is often felt quietly within their communities rather than on public stages.
Founder and CEO Nilesh Sane outlined the thinking behind WingManX and the awards, noting that the platform was created to help riders connect with accountability and trust. What began as a simple idea to find reliable riding partners has grown into a nationwide ecosystem where identity, reputation and responsibility matter. Launched in 2024, WingManX has crossed 80,000 app downloads and connects over 600 riding clubs across India, establishing itself as a trusted digital platform for motorcyclists.
Co-founder Dr Sahil Trimbake highlighted the role of strong communities in encouraging safer riding practices and collective accountability. Partner Urvashi Patole added that the awards were designed to recognise consistency and contribution rather than visibility, supported by a structured evaluation process combining jury assessment and community voting.
The awards were presented in the presence of senior officials and a jury of respected motorcycling community leaders. Supported by partners including DSG, 100kmph, Vredestein Tyres, BluArmor Communication and Ashok Travel World, the WingManX Awards are planned as an annual initiative. The evening reinforced a clear message: motorcycling in India today is defined as much by people and trust as by machines and miles.
The individual award winners recognised riders whose leadership, consistency and contribution have positively shaped India’s riding community. Shreyash Wagh received The Ultimate WingMan Award, while Hardeep Singh was named Mentor of the Year. Sami Sayyed was honoured with the Nomadic Soul Award, Baljeet Singh Kochhar with the Long Haul Legends Award, and Sahan Singh Kochhar with the Rising Star Award. Banny Raiyani earned the Ride Architect Award, Jyotiprakash Deka the Soul Rider Award, and Rajat Gawarle the Guardian Rider Award for their sustained commitment to responsible riding.
Further individual honours were presented to Dr Mohanraj Shankar, who received the Pillar of the Community Award, and Mohua Polley, recognised with the She Rides Free Award. Shatabdi Samanta was named Track Titan, Hrishikesh Shrikant Mandke received the Stunt Ace Award, Kapil Jain was honoured as Community Creator, and Priyanka Barua received the Digital Pulse Award, acknowledging her influence in strengthening digital engagement within the riding ecosystem.
In the club categories, RE650 Owners Group was awarded Club of the Year, while Throttle Trekkers Biking Community received the Soul Club Award. Biker Babes was recognised with the Women Power Collective Award, and Da Pune Vstrom Crew earned the Safety-First Club Award. Mhow Riders Club was named Most Active Riding Club, and Detour India received the Best Club Event of the Year Award, celebrating impactful community-driven initiatives.
The WingManX Trophy symbolises the rider’s journey, with the helmet representing safety and identity, wings reflecting freedom and camaraderie, and integrated gears signifying precision and progress. Its gold finish denotes earned legacy, while the black base reflects strength and humility—celebrating motorcycling as a way of life.
