Impressing the world's most powerful man is not easy. US President Barack Obama reportedly seemed to be pretty impressed with show put up by Border Security Force's (BSF) motorcycle contingent during Republic Day parade. Post the spectacular event put up during the Republic day event, at the Indo-US business meet held in the evening, Obama stated, “I will not ride another bike again after watching those incredible acrobats.”
The event featured stunts performed by 39 men who rode nine bikes in pyramid formation, seven of which formed a peacock on one bike. About 21 men arranged as a jaguar on three bikes are stunts that require immense concentration, skill and rigorous practice. Two stunts of the team-40 men riding one bike for 35 m, and 26 men riding a bike for 1 km-have even made it to the Limca Book of World Records. The occasion that kicked off in 1990 to showcase the bravery and adventure streak in BSF, Janbaaz put up a performance on every raising day of the BSF in December and every alternate Republic day.
The rule was reportedly broken this year to make arrangements for Obama's visit as the bikers had performed at last year's Republic day event. Speaking more on the occasion, “Rajiv Krishna, BSF IG (operations) said, “The DG (DK Pathak) was insistent that we perform this year. The concentration, balance, discipline and courage that the contingent showcases aptly describes BSF. With no trainers available initially. We had to send teams to Mumbai to take tips from professional stunt-men. Gradually we built a team of professionals who could train others and expanded. Now we design a new stunt every republic day. Despite one third of the team being replaced by fresh young faces every year, we have not made a mistake yet.”
