Ajmal Pathan, a trainee of J&K Sports Council’s Khelo India Cycling Centre, has won a Silver medal in the 10-kilometer Youth Boys category at the 29th Road National Cycling Championship held in Puri, Odisha. The championship, organised by the Cycling Federation of India, witnessed the participation of the finest young cyclists from across the country.
Ajmal trains under the mentorship of international cyclist Akber Khan at the Khelo India Cycling Centre in Budgam. Hailing from Check-i-Kawoosa, a village along the Gulmarg highway, often referred to as the “cycling hub of Kashmir,” Ajmal was selected during the Khelo India selection trials conducted under Akber Khan’s supervision.
Congratulating the young athlete, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma said:
“Ajmal’s achievement reflects the growing prominence of cycling in J&K and the impact of initiatives like Khelo India. Our government is committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for athletes to excel on national and international platforms.”
Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, J&K, also praised the cyclist for his remarkable accomplishment. “This medal is a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the success of our sports training programs. We will continue to invest in infrastructure and coaching to ensure our players reach their full potential,” he said.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, expressed her delight at Ajmal’s success. “This is a proud moment for the entire J&K,” she said. “Ajmal’s performance shows the immense potential of our young cyclists. The J&K Sports Council is fully committed to supporting budding athletes and helping them achieve greater heights.”
Akber Khan, Ajmal’s coach and an accomplished international cyclist, lauded his trainee’s effort, saying, “Ajmal’s hard work and determination have paid off. This is just the beginning for him, and I am confident he will achieve even greater milestones in the future.”
The achievement not only highlights Ajmal Pathan’s talent but also underscores the growing cycling culture in Kashmir, fostered by programs like Khelo India.
