Patiala, October 14:
The first-day competitions of the ASMITA Women’s Cycling Zonal Track League, organised by the Cycling Association of Punjab in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India at the NSNIS Velodrome, Patiala, concluded successfully today. On the opening day of the two-day league, women cyclists demonstrated their speed, technical skills and determination while competing in a spirit of sportsmanship.
Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Sports University, Patiala, attended as the chief guest, while Olympian hockey player Gurjit Kaur and Harjai Gambhir of Balkings Industries attended as special guests. The guests encouraged the participants and appreciated the organisers’ efforts to promote women’s cycling.
According to the results announced on the first day, Harshita Jakhar secured the gold medal, Meenakshi won silver and Swati Singh claimed bronze in the Elite Women’s category. Neeraj Tanwar, Joint Secretary of the Cycling Federation of India, presented the winners with medals, certificates and cash prizes and wished them success in future competitions.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill said that suitable opportunities and encouragement were essential for women to progress in sports. “Our daughters have no shortage of talent or dedication. They need a platform to demonstrate their abilities and sustained support to realise their potential. Leagues such as ASMITA provide competitive experience and give participants the confidence to pursue bigger goals,” he said.
Gill added that sports instil discipline, an appreciation of the value of time and a commitment to hard work among young people. He appealed to parents to encourage their daughters’ interest in sports and support their sporting journeys. Congratulating the winners, he also praised the hard work and commitment of all participating cyclists.
Special guest Olympian Gurjit Kaur motivated the participants to practise consistently and remain committed to their goals. “Great achievements are built on daily hard work, discipline and self-belief. Every competition teaches an athlete something new. Draw inspiration from your victories and work harder in areas where improvement is needed. Dream big and make consistent efforts to achieve those dreams,” she said.
Industrialist Harjai Gambhir said, “Providing women athletes with opportunities and support is our shared responsibility. Initiatives such as the ASMITA Women’s Cycling League offer a platform for emerging talent and inspire more girls to take up sports. The industrial sector should also come forward to support sports development and encourage athletes so that they can bring laurels to the country at national and international levels through their hard work and talent.”
Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, General Secretary of the Cycling Association of Punjab, said that competitions were being held in the Sub-Junior/Youth Girls, Junior Girls and Elite Women’s categories. He noted that the participants had competed with enthusiasm and sportsmanship on the first day. Keirin and scratch race events will be held on the second day, October 15, followed by an awards ceremony for the winners.
Kahlon thanked the chief guest, special guests, representatives of the Cycling Federation of India, coaches and supporters. He also appealed to sports enthusiasts to attend the second-day competitions and encourage the cyclists.
Among those present were B.S. Sudan, Treasurer of the Cycling Association of Punjab; international cyclist Bakhsish Singh; international cyclist Sukhjinder Singh, Joint Secretary of the Cycling Association of Punjab; S.P. Singh, Vice-President of the association; Jagdish Singh, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the District Cycling Association, Sangrur; Jasvir Singh, Secretary of the District Cycling Association, Sangrur; senior office-bearer Kuldeep Singh; Damanpreet Kaur, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the District Cycling Association, Mohali; international cyclist Gurpreet Kaur; Deputy District Education Officer Dr. Ravinder; Sports Coordinator Gurjit Singh; NSNIS Chief Coach Joginder; coach Sandeep Kaur; and sports promoter Jagjit Singh, along with other organisers, office-bearers and a large number of athletes.
