Pampore, October 28: The Cycling Association of Jammu and Kashmir, affiliated with the Cycling Federation of India, organised the first-ever District Pulwama Cycling Championship in Pampore on Wednesday, with around 50 cyclists participating in different age categories.
The championship was attended by J&K Mountain Bike Association Vice President and retired SSP Faheem Ali Punjabi, JKMBA President Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Cycling Association J&K Vice President Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Cycling Association Pulwama President Owais Hakak and other association officials, police personnel and dignitaries.
The races were held in Under-12, Under-14, Under-17, Under-19 and Open categories. The races were flagged off by retired SSP Faheem Ali Punjabi from Posh Bune, Pampore, with the route passing through Konibal, Dusoo and Gundbal Crossing.
Officials said the championship provided young cyclists an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the district level. The event also aimed to promote cycling among local youth and encourage greater participation in sports.
The winners in the different categories were:
Under-12: Affan Showkat (Khrew), Shamid Amin (Khrew) and M. Muneer Bhat (Pampore).
Under-14: Lukmaan Imtiyaz (Konibal), Zaid Bin Hilal (Khrew) and Mustafa Syed (Khrew).
Under-17: Yasir Ahmad Wani (Shar Shalli), Taha Bin Showkat (Shar Shalli) and Riyaan Muneer (Khrew).
Under-19: Musaib Mushtaq (Pampore), Arif Rehman (Pampore) and Zaid Bin Zameer (Namlabal, Pampore).
Open: Ovais Hakak (Khrew), Showkat Ahmad (Khrew) and Ishtiyaq Rasool (Khrew).
Prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners at the conclusion of the championship.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Cycling Association of J&K Vice President Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat said the event was organised in accordance with the Cycling Federation of India’s framework for conducting cycling activities at state and district levels.
Bhat said winners in the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19 and senior categories had been selected for the state championship, where strong performances could provide them an opportunity to represent the region at the national level.
He said the championship was aimed at encouraging local youth with sporting potential and providing them opportunities to pursue cycling at higher levels. He also thanked the parents, police, district administration, Sports Council, medical teams and others for supporting the event.
Bhat said the participation of around 50 cyclists in the first district championship in Pampore marked a step towards promoting cycling in Pulwama and creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at higher levels.
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