Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 9: The first of its kind Off-Road MTB Championship started at Polo Ground, here today with 350 cyclists from all over Kashmir turning up on the opening day.
The event organized by Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sports Development Association Budgam (SSDA) in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council is first of its kind off-road cycling event to be held in State. The event is supported by J&K Bank, J&K Tourism, Amblin and Youth Services and Sports Department Budgam.
Director Tourism, Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah was chief guest on the occasion and he interacted with the riders who had come from various institutes and clubs of Kashmir. He flagged off the Under-17 category race.
“It is unique idea that can make cycling a spectator sport in Kashmir. We don’t have advanced indoor facilities for cycling but these types of idea are step forward,” Shah said.
Joint Secretary J&K state Sports Council Nazir Ahmad, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Muzaffer Tramboo and Sports Administrator Bashir Ahmad Malik were guests of honour.
Mr Muzaffer flagged off Under-14 category race while as Mr Nazir flagged off race for the senior category.
The competition was of top quality in the Under-14 age with most of the riders participating in same category. 12 heats were held in the category with 12 qualifying for the semifinals that are scheduled to be held tomorrow.
In Under-17 category, 89 heats were held.
Event Coordinator and International cyclist of Kashmir, Akber Khan said that idea behind the event is to make cycling popular among young generation.
Students from RP School, Burn Hall, Kashmir Harvard, Tyndale Biscoe, Celestial Buds, Spring Buds Budgam, Minto Circle, Kandid Nowgam and Modern Era participated in student categories.
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