Srinagar: For the first time, seven cyclists including one female from J&K have qualified for the 38th National Games scheduled to be held in Uttarakhandh from January 27.
It is for the first time that more than four cyclists from J&K in a single National Games event have qualified.
The qualification was announced by Cycling Federation of India on the basis of recent National Cycling Championship results held in Puri, Odhissa.
The J&K cyclists will be led by first International Cyclist of J&K Mohammad Akbar Khan and include International Cyclists Bilal Ahmad, Guinees World Record holder Adil Teli and National medallist Waheed Ahmad in Road Cycling. They finished in top 20 in the recent National Championship amoung the 140 odd cyclists and qualified for the Games.
In road cycling, Ulfat Mushtaq from Kupwara has become first ever girl from Kashmir to make it to National Games.
In MTB Cycling Event , two cyclists from Jammu province, Manav Radha and Sunil Kumar have qualified. The duo performed exceedingly well in National MTB Championship and booked their place in National Games.
Combined with coaches in each category, plus seperate staff for female cyclist, it will be biggest cycling contingent ever in National Games from J&K.
After the emergence of Akber Khan in cycling arena of Kashmir around a decade ago, the sport received major flip in J&K with youth particularly from Narbal area getting attracted towards the sport. Seeing the antics of Akbar who went on to win multiple medals in National arena and went to represent India in Asia Cup, more and more youth joined the sport.
Akbar received major boost when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah provided him imported cycle when he was CM last time.
After Akbar multiple cyclists from J&K, mostly Narbal area emerged winners at National level.
Akbar received major boost when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah provided him imported cycle when he was CM last time. It was a major boost for the Cyclist and he went on to continue his cycling journey till date.
All the cyclists who have qualified particularly from Kashmir, were attracted towards cycling sport after Akbar Khan. Bilal Ahmad, is a International Cyclist ans won multiple medals at National level, Waheed Ahmad has also won medals at National level while as Adil Teli holds Guinees records in Cycling and is regular part of J&K Cycling Team.
This development of qualifying for National Games is going to further boost Cycling in Kashmir, which in recent times had gone cold with many cyclists leaving the sport due to lack of opportunities and support level.