Mohali (S.A.S.Nagar), 20 July 2025: Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Khelo India (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India) and District Cycling Association, SAS Nagar organized the first of its kind Asmita Khelo India Women's City League - Road Cycling event in Punjab today at Sector 88 here.
In this event, in the women's junior 10 km race, Lakisha Dhiman won first, Preet Kaur Anahat won second and Sarvjit Kaur won third.
Similarly, in the women's elite 20 km category, Swati Swalok won first position, Amandeep Kaur won second and Sarvjit Kaur won third position.
Each participant was given a CFI certificate. And certificates were given from Khelo India and medals and certificates were given to those who came in first 03 places in each category.
Attending the occasion as the chief guest, Olympian Swaran Singh Virk (Rowing) said that this initiative taken by the District Cycling Association, SAS Nagar is very commendable, the more praise it gets, the less it is. With this, while people will get guidance to ride bicycles more, girls and women have also got an opportunity to make their name in cycling. He said that this initiative will be very helpful in creating a sports culture in the state.
Attending the event in a dignified manner on this occasion, eminent Punjabi film director, lyricist and story writer S. Amardeep Singh Gill encouraged the organizers to organize this event. He said that generally there is talk of giving suitable opportunities to girls in the society but steps are rarely taken at the ground level. He said that the initiative taken today in the form of this event is an example of giving due opportunities to girls in the society at the grassroots level.
On this occasion, Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, President, District Cycling Association, SAS Nagar, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardee (Government of Punjab), who was serving as the in-charge of this event, said that this initiative under the prestigious Race Khelo India banner was aimed at empowering girls through sports and promoting grassroots participation in cycling in urban and rural areas.
A large number of women cyclists participated in this event, who showcased their strength, determination and competitive spirit. The event saw active participation of local schools and colleges, which will promote the participation and fitness of the youth. The Asmita Mahila League is an important step towards gender equality in sports and is in line with the vision of a healthy and active India.
Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said that the district administration has made a significant contribution in this Khelo India League. He said that along with the administration, many companies also made a significant contribution in this event. He said that in the coming time, big cycling events for women and men will be organized in Punjab. He said that the goal of the Cycling Federation of India is that maximum women and men cyclists will be part of the Indian cycling team in the 2036 Olympic Games. Sandeep Bajaj (former cyclist, Canada) congratulated the women cyclists on winning medals in this league competition.
On this occasion, Assistant Public Relations Officer Satinderpal Singh, International Cyclist and General Secretary of District Cycling Association SAS Nagar Bakshish Singh, District Sports Officer Patiala Harpinder Singh, Indian female handball player Deepa who participated in the Asian Games, District Sports Officer Mohali Rupesh Kumar, District Mandi Officer Gagandeep Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardee Kamalpreet Sharma, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardee Sukhjinder Singh, Divisional Secretary of Northern Railway Men's Union Ambala Division Dr. Nirmal Singh, Punjabi Sufi artist Balvir, Stage Secretary Ruppreet Kaur Sirhind, DSP Traffic SAS Nagar Karnail Singh, Aman Rumana, Jasbir Singh Mohali, PCP of Cycling Federation of India Joginder Singh, Manish Sahni, Arvinderjit Singh CMD- Taynaur, Special Modgil Director HR - Radisson Red, Verka Team, Aman Romana and Damanpreet Kaur Dil- Se Cycling Club, Abhishek Sheikhu International Cyclist, Desh Bhagat Radio besides a large number of coaches, players and spectators were present.