Patiala, June 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, the Cycling Association Punjab, in collaboration with the District Cycling Association Patiala, organized the Asmita Khelo India Women City League and a Grand Cycle Rally in Patiala. The event aimed to empower women through sports, encourage emerging talent, and promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
The programme was organized under the “Khel Se Hi Hai Pehchaan” campaign with the support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Fit India, and the Cycling Federation of India.
Dronacharya Awardee Coach Gurbakhsh Singh attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Harvinder Singh graced the occasion as the Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Gurbakhsh Singh said, “Sports are the most effective medium for the holistic development of young people. Initiatives such as Asmita Khelo India provide excellent opportunities for women athletes to showcase their talent and progress to the national level. The daughters of Punjab are proving their excellence in cycling as well as in other sports, which is a matter of great pride for all of us.”
In his address, Harvinder Singh said, “Cycling is not merely a sport but also a symbol of a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle. The enthusiastic participation of youth and women in this World Bicycle Day event reflects the growing awareness and passion for sports across Punjab. I congratulate all the winners and hope they continue to achieve greater milestones for the country in the future.”
Earlier in the morning, the Grand Cycle Rally was flagged off from Hotel Red Chilli near the main gate of the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS). A large number of cycling enthusiasts, athletes, students, and citizens participated in the rally.
The rally proceeded up to Fountain Chowk, spreading the message of fitness, healthy living, and environmental conservation. Following the rally, competitions under the Asmita Khelo India Women League were held.
The Chief Guest and Special Guest later honoured the winning athletes with medals and certificates and extended their best wishes for their future sporting careers.
Women cyclists delivered outstanding performances across various categories of the Asmita Khelo India Women City League.
In the Sub-Junior category, Guntas Sandhu won the Gold Medal, Diksha secured Silver, and Priyanka claimed Bronze. In the Junior category, Rukmani won Gold, Soumya secured Silver, and Ishreet earned Bronze. In the Elite category, Archana Panjrath won Gold, Rajni Kashyap secured Silver, and Arvinder Kaur claimed Bronze.
Congratulating the winners, Cycling Association Punjab President Charanjit Singh Dhaliwal and General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said that Punjab would soon emerge as a leading force in the world of cycling.
They expressed confidence that the Association would accomplish in one year what could not be achieved over the past three decades. They added that the Asmita Khelo India Women City League is providing an important platform for women athletes to showcase their talent and compete at higher levels.
They further stated that the Association is continuously working to strengthen the sport of cycling in Punjab and nurture new talent. Special support in organizing the event was provided by Dilshan Singh Sidhu of Patiala Heart Institute and his entire team.
Among those present on the occasion were Surinder Singh (International Archery Coach), Sukhjinder Singh, S.P. Singh, Prannam Singh Brar (Director Sports, RIMT Mandi Gobindgarh), Sarpreet Singh, Manish Sahni, Sukhbir Singh, IRTS (Principal General Manager, BSNL Patiala), Neeraj Sahni, Raj Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Gurpreet Kaur (Cycling Coach), Sandeep Kaur, Harpreet Kaur (Cycling Coach), Dr. Ritu, Nagesh Gupta of M/s Bizwors World Patiala, and representatives of Green Bikers, Friends on Wheels, Royal Patiala Riders, Patiala Roadies, Friends of Environment Cycling Group, Baradari Ideals, Tour Di Patiala, Bharat Vikas Parishad, and Himalayan Cycling Group.
The organizers also expressed their gratitude to all participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, the district administration, and the police department for their valuable contribution in making the event a grand success.
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