Srinagar 14 Jan(KNB): Jammu & Kashmir continued its impressive ascent on the national sports stage as the Khelo India Cycling Centre, Budgam, delivered an outstanding performance by winning three medals at the ongoing 69th National Road Cycling Championship, organised by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
Leading the medal haul, Jehanghir Ahmad clinched the gold medal in the 40 km Mass Start (Under-19 category), displaying exceptional endurance, tactical awareness and competitive maturity against the country’s top young cyclists. Adding to the success, Arsalan Dar secured the silver medal in the 20 km Mass Start (Under-17 category), while Samiullah Wani earned the bronze medal in the Mass Start (Under-14 category), highlighting the growing depth and consistency of cycling talent emerging from J&K.
All three medal winners are trainees of the Khelo India Cycling Centre, Budgam, where athletes are trained under ace cyclist and renowned coach Akbar Khan. His technical expertise, athlete-centric approach and emphasis on scientific training, race strategy and performance consistency have played a pivotal role in shaping these national-level achievements. The success under his mentorship underscores the effectiveness of advanced training methodologies being implemented at Khelo India Centres across J&K.
Congratulating the athletes, Sh. Satish Sharma, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Services and Sports, J&K, termed Jehanghir Ahmad’s gold medal a landmark achievement for J&K sports. He stated that such sustained national success is the outcome of focused coaching, modern training systems and the consistent hard work of J&K’s young athletes. Emphasising that sports contribute significantly to health, discipline and peace in J&K, the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and high-performance training frameworks to establish J&K as a favourable and competitive sporting destination.
The J&K Sports Council also extended heartfelt congratulations to the medal winners and their coach, describing the three-medal haul as a proud and historic moment for J&K cycling. The Council reaffirmed its resolve to continue investing in advanced grassroots development through Khelo India and other initiatives, ensuring consistent podium finishes and long-term excellence for J&K athletes at national championships.
The achievement further highlights the rapidly growing cycling culture in the Kashmir Valley, where cyclists train amid scenic routes, challenging terrains and pristine natural surroundings, offering ideal conditions for endurance sports. The strong showing at the 69th SGFI National Road Cycling Championship reinforces J&K’s rising stature on the national sports map, driven by expert coaching, advanced training systems and sustained performance consistency.(KNB)