Srinagar, July : Coming to the rescue of the only International cyclist of State, Muhammad Akber Khan and recognizing his talent, National Conference Working President and MLA Beerwah, Omar Abdullah on Monday felicitated Akber by donating a professional Merida Reacto 5000 bicycle worth 2.8 lakhs.
Akber who is known among the cycling arena of State as the best ever cyclist produced who has won two national medals and is only International cyclist from JK. Akber was in need of the professional cycle and had approached many for the help. Ultimately he went to Omar Abdullah who is the local MLA of the area for the help. Noticing his achievements and laurels he has brought for the State over the years Omar assured Akber all kind of help. He assured Akber that he will personally arrange professional cycle of highest class for the cyclist.
On Monday, in a function held at Beerwah, Omar ha
nded over cycle to Akber in front of large gathering.
“This is the first time that an athlete in the State has been provided with a professional aide of this quality to help him compete in national and international events,” said a statement issued by National Conference today.
Omar hoped that Khan would continue to bring laurels to the State and inspire more youngsters to take up athletic sports professionally.
He said that Akbar has worked hard for reaching to this level. “Despite hardships he managed his way into International arena and he deserves all possible support and encouragement”.
Over the years Akber has dominated the cycling arena of State by winning majority of the event. He in 2015 won his first gold medal in national cycling event. On that basis he was selected by Cycling Federation of India for the national coaching camp. During the camp he also was selected to represent India in International cycling competition held at New Delhi. In February 2016, he went on to defend his national title successfully by winning his second medal.
The Merida Reacto 5000 is an aero road bike that combines plenty of speed with agile handling and a respectable amount of comfort. Merida has included numerous aero features designed to help you cut through the wind. For a start, the Reacto 5000 is built around Merida’s Fastback tube profiles which are based on the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) 0028 airfoil.
J&K Sports Development (JKSDA) President Bashir Ahmad Malik termed the step as ground breaking and said that more such steps are needed.
“We appreciate this act if former Chief Minister who out of his own picket arranged a imported cycle for the competitions for our cycling star Akber Khan. If everyone acts in a same way then our players will not need to go for begging in front of everyone. It is the step that every Minister, MLA should follow and help the players in their respective areas,” Malik said.
Cyclist Muhammad Akber Khan who on Monday was gifted a brand new professional imported cycle by MLA Beerwah Omar Abdullah, said that he has no words to thank the former chief minister.
“For me he is savior who came to my rescue when no one was willing to help. For almost two years I have been knocking at the doors of various corporate houses for the help to get decent equipment in order to excel at national and International level, but except promises nothing materialized,” Akber said.
“One of my friend suggested and arranged my meeting with Political Advisor to Omar Abdullah, Tanveer Sadiq. I put my case in front of him and he (Tanvir) then arranged my meeting with Omar sahib. I met Omar at his residence and apprised him of my whole situation and achievements. He appreciated my talent an
d promised to get me the equipment that I need,” Akber said.
Cyclist said that Omar arranged better equipment for him than what he had dreamed of.
“I did suggest about the same equipment but was not hoping to get the same one. It is costly and I though may be I will get little bit on lower side. But today Omar sahib fulfilled his promise by gifting me same bike that I had requested for. It is dream come to true for me and I have no words to thank him and also Tanvir Sadiq who was all helpful,” he said.
“Omar sahib has been helping athletes and cyclists of the constituency by out of his CDF. However, for my equipment he arranged money on his own. I hope other MLA’s, Ministers take lead from him and help out players in distress,” he added.