Srinagar: International cyclist of Kashmir, Mohammad Akber Khan looks unstoppable as he on Monday bagged his second gold medal of the ongoing All India Inter-University Cycling championship at Amritsar.
Akber had on Sunday created history by becoming first Inter-University gold medalist from J&K. He added one more to the list on Monday by cruising to victory in 100-kilometre mass start category.
Akber who is sponsored by corporate house, TCI Max represented Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar in the event after not getting support from Kashmir University during last five years.
After having lead his team to gold on Sunday in 60-kilometre team event, Akber went to claim his individual medal in 100-kilomtre mass start. It was his sprint ability of finishing better then rest of the riders that helped him to clinch gold.
“The competition was of highest quality. I am not known for winning long distance events. However, my coach told me to stay in bunch till the end. He even gave strict instruction to other teammates to help me remain in the bunch. They helped me in the process and at the finish I sprinted ahead of the rest and cruised to my second gold medal victory. It was photo finish with results declared after checking video footage,” he said.
“I could have done this for my home University (KU). However, the staff there headed by non-professionals never supported me. My first gold medal at National event would not have come and I would not have taken part in International, if I would not have defied the KU. One of the Assistant Director sports rejected my leave and I was only allowed to go by Vice-Chancellor’s office for participation in national’s. Another example is that while I was in national cycling camp at SAI, I was declared reappear by KU in examination. It was despite I had given the paper but the concerned Assistant Director (the second official) never liked me and failed me in the subject,” Akber said.
He said that GNDU who had seen him at National camp offered free admission on sports quota to Akber in the University that he accepted.
“The difference between KU and GNDU is professionalism. GNDU sports head and other staff have been players themselves and known how to treat a player. In Ku most of the staff has no concern with sports and they only care about their salaries and perks for being idle throughout the year. These two gold medals are slap on their face. I am thankful to GNDU and my sponsors for all the help,” he said.
Akber is the first International cyclist of State to bag medal in All India level Inter-University cycling event.
Akber had in June this year was given brand new imported cycle by MLA Beerwah Omar Abdullah. In the event he participated on same cycle.
Director Sports GNDU, HS Randhwa and Director TCI Maxi Waseem Tramboo have hailed Akber for the win.