Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s celebrated cyclist Adil Teli emerged victorious in the senior men’s professional category at the ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ Cycle Race 2026, organised by the J&K Police in Srinagar on Thursday.
Teli clinched the top position in the 41-kilometre race, earning a cash prize of ₹50,000 for his impressive performance.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha attended the concluding ceremony as the chief guest at the Police Golf Course, where he felicitated the winners.
“Delighted to felicitate the winners of the ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ cycling event in Srinagar. The enthusiasm, determination and confidence of our youth reflect a new era of hope and opportunity,” Sinha said.
He commended the J&K Police for combining security responsibilities with social commitment through initiatives that promote sports and youth engagement.
“Let us together empower youth, promote sports, build a drug-free society, and advance peace, progress and prosperity for all,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
Teli, who hails from Narbal in Baramulla district, has established himself as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s prominent endurance cyclists through a series of remarkable long-distance rides and record-setting achievements.
In March 2021, he cycled approximately 3,600 kilometres from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in eight days, one hour and 39 minutes, earning a Guinness World Records title for the fastest bicycle journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by a male cyclist.
In 2022, Teli achieved another landmark by completing the challenging Leh-Manali route in 29 hours, 18 minutes and 21 seconds, setting a Guinness World Records mark for the route at the time.
More recently, he participated in the Gran Fondo cycling series in Japan, continuing his engagement with competitive cycling at the international level.
The ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ Cycle Race 2026 was organised by the J&K Police under the Fit India initiative to promote physical fitness, encourage sporting participation and inspire young people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The event attracted more than 3,000 cyclists from approximately 5,000 registered participants. It featured multiple categories for professional and amateur cyclists, junior riders, women, veterans and specially-abled participants.
The event highlighted the growing popularity of cycling in Jammu and Kashmir while underlining the role of sporting initiatives in promoting fitness, youth engagement and a drug-free society.
