SRINAGAR, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah marked World Bicycle Day by flagging off a high-profile cyclothon from the Royal Springs Golf Course, signaling a renewed administrative push to foster fitness, healthy lifestyles, and a robust sports culture among the youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under the prominent “My Youth My Pride” initiative, the promotional ride drew massive participation from local students, young athletes, and cycling enthusiasts from various districts of the Valley.
During the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister officially unveiled the mascot, jersey, and promotional campaign for the upcoming Jammu Cyclothon, while also revealing that the Kashmir Cyclothon will be elevated to a national-level event designed to draw competitive cyclists from all over India and establish the region as a premier hub for adventure sports.
While interacting with the gathered participants, the Chief Minister praised the community’s rising interest in cycling and stressed the critical role active routines play in safeguarding physical and mental health.
He emphasized that cycling serves as an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation that actively aids environmental conservation while boosting public health. Acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department alongside the regional Sports Council, he commended their work in driving mass engagement in recreational sports to build stronger community ties and address pressing social vulnerabilities.
Accordingly, the 20-kilometer awareness ride—which chart its course from the golf grounds to Duck Park on Foreshore Road—carried a resonant social message for the youth, rallying under the official theme to say no to drugs, reject screen addiction, and embrace fitness and sports.
The expansive event saw diverse participation across multiple age groups and was attended by several high-ranking dignitaries, including Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and Commissioner Secretary Shahid Iqbal Choudhary. Key sports administrators, including Secretary of the Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmed Handoo and Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, were also present to support the launch of the synchronized regional sports campaign.
