Cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari flagged off
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today flagged off India’s longest cycling expedition from Polo View Ground, Srinagar, that will culminate at the farthest point of the country, Kanyakumari.
The expedition, sponsored by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), is the 2nd edition of ‘Race Across India’ participated by 22 teams including national as well as international cyclists this year. Participants of different age categories and professions are taking part in the event.
On the occasion, the Chief Secretary applauded the efforts of both J&K Sports Council and IOCL for their collaboration in organising this event in J&K. He maintained that the expedition is gaining fame internationally that has materialised into attracting cyclists from some other nations besides a large number from different parts of the country. He said it gives him confidence that this event would become the annual affair, attracting highest number of participants in the years to come.
He said last year some of the cyclists covered this Herculean task of reaching to Kanyakumari from Srinagar in just 6 days. He expressed hope that this year too they would register new records while extending best wishes to the athletes.
Secretary, YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, said this international event along with others has put J&K among the most sought after sporting destinations in the country.
This cycling expedition is reportedly the largest organised event in the country with cyclists destined to start from Srinagar and conclude at Kanyakumari more than 3,750 km away from here. It has around 15 solo riders and 22 teams comprising two or four members categorised in different age groups. Cyclists including doctors, professors, students along with those from Army and paramilitary forces from different parts of the country are participating enthusiastically in this year’s edition of ‘Race Across India’.
