From Mumbai to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong AXN Challenge, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and AXN, moved to the Chinese territory for the grande finale. The winning pair from the Indian leg of the Challenge, comprising Commander Siddarth Panda and Seaman Vijay Dahiya of the Indian Navy, kept the Indian flag flying by securing an overall third placing in the international category finals held on 20 April.

"Team India" came in third after first-placed Team Hong Kong and fellow seamen from Thailand, who came in second. Teams from Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines placed 4th, 5th and 6th respectively, an official release states.

Cdr Panda and Seaman Dahiya did manage a first though. That was in the City Dares Challenge - a race that swept through urban and rural Hong Kong.

Despite being the oldest participant in the international category, 40-year-old Cdr Panda and his teammate showed true grit in the seven-hour race which involved swimming, abseiling, kayaking, canoeing and canyoneering through Hong Kong's thickets. Held in the spirit of Eco-Challenge, the grueling adventure race that has now become known as the Olympics of Expedition Racing, the teams were told of their challenges and routes only during the race.