Srinagar, June 3: On World Bicycle Day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a cyclothon in Srinagar. He encouraged citizens to embrace cycling during this event. The Jammu and Kashmir Youth Sports Council organized the program, which commenced at the Royal Spring Golf Course and concluded at the University of Kashmir. Participants included local and national cyclists from various segments of society.
During the event, the Chief Minister’s advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, spoke to the media, stating, “This is a great initiative. We are trying to organize such sports activities in Kashmir. Previously, we held golf tournaments and marathons. Now, we are hosting a cyclothon. Jammu and Kashmir will also have their own cyclothons. Through these activities, we aim to attract youth towards sports. For us, it is also a means to promote tourism. More sports-related events will be organized.”
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, added, “A calendar for sports events is created by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and the Sports Department. This cyclothon is an initiative to celebrate World Bicycle Day and raise awareness against laziness. It sends a strong message from Jammu and Kashmir that we are committed to fitness and a fit India. Today, we launched the logo and mascot for the Jammu cyclothon. The promotional campaign and registration have also begun. We have also initiated the Kashmir cyclothon and will soon start registrations for it.”
Satish Sharma, the Sports Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was also present and extended his wishes for World Bicycle Day. He remarked, “Currently, drugs have become a significant issue in Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, the theme for World Bicycle Day is ‘Say No to Drugs.’ Many youth are unknowingly falling into addiction. Our priority is to bring them back into the mainstream. Society must accept these children. We are planning several sports events to keep children away from drugs. Our goal is to encourage youth towards sports and away from substance abuse.”
He further stated, “I also rode a bicycle today, so I urge everyone to follow the theme of ‘Say No to Drugs and Yes to Sports.’ More exciting programs will be organized in the coming days. We will hold a high-level event every month to address the lack of infrastructure in sports.”
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