PUNE: The inaugural WingManX Awards 2025–26 concluded at Hotel Hyatt Pune recently, celebrating individuals and communities shaping India’s motorcycling culture through responsibility, leadership, and meaningful contribution.
Bringing together riders, community leaders, and distinguished guests from across the country, the evening marked one of India’s first large-scale recognition platforms dedicated exclusively to rider-led and grassroots contributors within the motorcycling ecosystem.
Hosted by actor and emcee Aman Yatan Verma, the awards combined storytelling and celebration, honouring riders whose impact often unfolds quietly, away from the spotlight.
Founder and CEO Nilesh Sane shared the vision behind WingManX and the awards. “The platform was built to help motorcyclists connect meaningfully and ride with accountability. What began as a simple intent, to find the right people to ride with, built on trust, has evolved into a nationwide rider ecosystem where identity, trust, and reputation matter. The awards recognise riders and communities who consistently set higher standards for others”.
Launched in 2024, WingManX has grown to over 80,000 app downloads and connects more than 600 riding clubs across India, strengthening its position as a trusted digital platform for riders.
Co-founder Dr. Sahil Trimbake emphasised the importance of community in shaping riding culture, highlighting how strong groups encourage better habits, promote safety, and create accountability among riders. “The awards celebrate this collective responsibility”, he said.
To ensure credibility and fairness, the awards followed a structured evaluation process. Nominations were reviewed by a selection committee, followed by public voting and independent jury assessment. Final winners were determined through a balanced 50:50 scoring model, combining community participation with expert evaluation.
Urvashi Patole, Partner at WingManX, explained that the intention was to make recognition truly earned. “The focus remained on consistency, responsibility and contribution – honouring individuals and groups who strengthen the ecosystem without seeking visibility”, she said.
The awards were presented in the presence of Mr. Anil Valiv, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), currently heading the Borivali RTO, Mumbai, and Colonel Arun Dattaji Patole (Retd.), Indian Army Veteran, alongside a respected jury of motorcycling community leaders.
Supported by ecosystem partners including DSG, 100kmph, Vredestein Tyres, BluArmor Communication, and Ashok Travel World, the WingManX Awards are envisioned as an annual property.
As the evening concluded, one idea resonated clearly: motorcycling in India today is not just about machines or miles, but about people, trust, and the communities that bring riders together.
AWARD WINNERS :
Individual Categories :
- Shreyash Wagh – The Ultimate WingMan Award
- Hardeep Singh – Mentor of the Year Award
- Sami Sayyed – Nomadic Soul Award
- Baljeet Singh Kochhar – Long Haul Legends Award
- Sahan Singh Kochhar – Rising Star Award
- Banny Raiyani – Ride Architect Award
- Jyotiprakash Deka – Soul Rider Award
- Rajat Gawarle – Guardian Rider Award
- Dr. Mohanraj Shankar – Pillar of the Community Award
- Mohua Polley – She Rides Free Award
- Shatabdi Samanta – Track Titan Award
- Hrishikesh Shrikant Mandke – Stunt Ace Award
- Kapil Jain – Community Creator Award
- Priyanka Barua – Digital Pulse Award
Club Categories :
- RE650 Owners Group – Club of the Year Award
- Throttle Trekkers Biking Community – Soul Club Award
- Biker Babes – Women Power Collective Award
- Da Pune Vstrom Crew – Safety-First Club Award
- Mhow Riders Club – Most Active Riding Club Award
- Detour India – Best Club Event of the Year Award