Budgam, Jan 14 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir’s sporting ascent gained fresh momentum as trainees from the Khelo India Cycling Centre (KICC) in Budgam secured three medals at the 69th National Road Cycling Championship.
Sports officials informed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the championship, organized under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), witnessed exceptional performances from the Union Territory’s young cyclists across multiple age categories.
According to the officials, the contingent was spearheaded by Jehangir Ahmad from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, who clinched the gold medal in the fiercely contested 40 km Mass Start event for the Under-19 category. Officials stated that Ahmad displayed outstanding endurance and tactical acumen to outpace the nation’s top junior cyclists.
The medal tally was augmented by Arsalan Dar, who seized silver in the 20 km Mass Start (Under-17), and Samiullah Wani, who earned bronze in the Under-14 Mass Start. The multi-category success underscores the burgeoning depth and competitive consistency of cycling talent emerging from Jammu and Kashmir.
All three medalists are products of the Khelo India Cycling Centre in Budgam, which operates under the guidance of renowned coach and former ace cyclist Akbar Khan.
Another senior sports official credited the centre’s "technical expertise, athlete-centric philosophy, and emphasis on scientific training and race strategy" as pivotal factors behind these national-level achievements.
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Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir’s Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, hailed Jehangir Ahmad’s gold as a "landmark achievement" for the region’s sporting landscape. The Minister asserted that such consistent national success stems from "focused coaching, modern training systems, and the relentless dedication of our young sportspersons."
The Minister, according to KNS, highlighted the transformative role of sports in promoting health, discipline, and societal harmony. He reiterated the administration’s resolve to further strengthen sports infrastructure and high-performance frameworks to position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading sporting hub.
The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council also lauded the cyclists and their coach, terming the triple-medal victory a "proud and historic moment" for the territory’s cycling fraternity. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to investing in advanced grassroots development through initiatives like Khelo India, aiming to ensure sustained podium finishes for J&K’s athletes.
Notably, structured sporting initiatives in recent years have been pivotal in productively channeling the energy of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, enabling them to achieve distinction across diverse disciplines—from cycling and cricket to other sporting activities and beyond. (KNS)