Patiala News:New 250-metre state-of-the-art velodrome and residential cycling academies are the need of the hour in Punjab: Surjit Singh Rakhra
The Punjab State Track Cycling Championship, organised by the Cycling Association of Punjab under the leadership of its President, Charanjit Singh Dhaliwal, concluded successfully at the NSNIS Velodrome in Patiala. Former Cabinet Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and presented medals to the winners.
Addressing the cyclists, Surjit Singh Rakhra said that Punjab’s youth possess immense sporting talent. He emphasised the need to provide them with suitable facilities, quality training and regular opportunities to compete so that they can bring laurels to the state and the country at national and international levels.
Stressing the need to build a 250-metre state-of-the-art velodrome near Patiala city, within the Samana Assembly constituency, he said such a facility would enable cyclists to train in accordance with modern standards and prepare for major competitions. He added that expanding sports infrastructure was essential to further strengthen Punjab’s standing in cycling.
Surjit Singh Rakhra also advocated the establishment of residential cycling academies in every district of Punjab. He said these academies should provide accommodation, a balanced diet, education and sports equipment, alongside quality training. This would give talented athletes from rural areas and economically disadvantaged families better opportunities to develop their abilities.
Congratulating the winners, he encouraged all participating cyclists to pursue their goals with discipline, consistent hard work and sportsmanship. He also appreciated the efforts of the Cycling Association of Punjab, coaches and technical officials in organising the championship.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, General Secretary of the Cycling Association of Punjab, said, “Our objective is to provide Punjab’s talented cyclists with opportunities to progress through regular competitions and quality training. The state championship provides an important platform for cyclists to assess their preparation and gain competitive experience. Its results also form the basis for selecting the Punjab team for the national championship. Facilities such as residential academies and modern velodromes will further strengthen the foundations of cycling in Punjab.”
Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said that the Punjab team would travel to Ranchi to participate in the National Track Cycling Championship. Extending his best wishes to the cyclists, he expressed hope that their hard work and dedication would enable them to perform well at the national level and win medals for the state.
Those present included Cycling Association of Punjab Treasurer B.S. Sudan; international cyclist Bakhshish Singh; international cyclist and Association Joint Secretary Sukhjinder Singh; Vice-President S.P. Singh; Joint Secretary Satwinder Singh; Satbir Singh, an office-bearer of the District Cycling Association, Amritsar; Vigilance Inspector and international cyclist Pavittar Singh; Krishan Pehalwan; and Baba Arjan Singh Ji, Chief Sewadar of Dera Baba Rabb Alampur.
Also present were Jagdish Singh, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the District Cycling Association, Sangrur; Secretary Jasvir Singh; senior office-bearers Kuldeep Singh, N.P. Singh and Kamalpreet Singh; Damanpreet Kaur, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the District Cycling Association, Mohali; international cyclist Gurpreet Kaur; NSNIS Chief Coach Joginder; Coach Sandeep Kaur; sports promoter Jagjit Singh; other organisers and office-bearers; and a large number of cyclists.