The biggest cycling star that J&K has so far produced made State proud again on Sunday by finishing fourth in the Hoshiarpur Cyclothon organized by District Administration Hoshiarpur.
The first ever Cyclothon event held in Punjab under Cycling Federation of India and in it 178 riders that included almost all the top cyclists of Country participated. Akber Khan who is first ever International cyclist from J&K and has been making J&K proud in professional cycling circuit of Country from last many years did it again on Sunday.
Akber while competing in the 124 kilometer race bagged fourth place in a photo finish for second, third and fourth place . He missed the higher place by a whisker. Arvind Kumar of Railways finished first, Krishna of IAF finished second and Harashveer Singh finished third. First, second and third position holders bagged 1 lakh, 75,000 and 60,000 respectively.
Akber had to contend with 40,000 and a trophy. Another cyclist from J&K, Waheed Ahmad finished 13th in same race and bagged 3,000.
Despite missing the top podium finish in the event, Akber once again proved that he is still number one cyclist from J&K. He has been doing it from last many years apart from promoting cycling at grass root level. In the event five cyclist from Kashmir participated.
Akber is being sponsored by Peaks Autos and Celestial Buds High School. The top cyclist has thanked both MD Peaks Autos Baldev Singh and Principal Celestial Buds Muzaffer Ahmad for the support.
At the concluding ceremony Akbar was invited by Secretary General of CFI Onkar Singh on podium for saying something about race and venue of race Hoshiarpur.
Akber has also thanked all his sponsors who have been supporting him over the years that included MLA Beerwah Omar Abdullah, J&K Bank, TCI Max, Pure Max, Noora Hospital, Sports Council.
“Without the help from these all I wouldn’t have been able to continue cycling and being at top of my sport. It is all because of them and I am thankfull to them for all the support,” he said.