Srinagar, Aug 19: The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), University of Kashmir (KU), organised the Annual Inter-Collegiate Men & Women Cycle Races as part of its Annual Sports Calendar.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing more than 20 affiliated colleges of the University, along with postgraduate students from KU.
The races provided the participants an opportunity to showcase their sporting prowess along the Boulevard Road while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Dal Lake.
The Men’s Cycle Race was flagged off from Lalit Grand Palace, while the Women’s Cycle Race commenced from Nishat Garden. Both races culminated at the University’s Rumi Gate. The races were flagged off by Director, DPES, KU, Prof. Raies Qadri.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Prof. Raies Qadri congratulated the participants for their enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of promoting cycling and active lifestyles among young people.
“Cycling is an important means of promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle. In line with the Prime Minister’s clarion call for mass cycling and the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, we encourage our students to make cycling and regular physical activity an integral part of their daily lives,” Prof. Qadri said.
He highlighted the various physical and mental benefits of cycling and urged students to incorporate cycling and other forms of regular physical activity into their daily routines.
A medal ceremony was subsequently held at Ground B of the Main Campus, where medals and participation certificates were distributed among the podium finishers by Prof. Raies Qadri.
Students from the University’s Shri Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music & Fine Arts enthralled the participants and guests with their melodious musical performances during the ceremony.
In the Men’s Cycle Race, Tasleem Muhammad of Gandhi College, Srinagar, clinched the Gold Medal with a timing of 19:47, while Hamed Arshid of Islamia College, Srinagar, secured Silver with 20:00. Muhammad Tahir Mir of GDC Beerwah won the Bronze Medal, clocking 26:48.
In the Women’s Cycle Race, Muskaan Naseer of Women’s College Zakura bagged the Gold Medal with a timing of 18:20. Adfara Alam of GDC Pampore secured Silver with 18:36, while Pakeeza Ashraf of GDC Ganderbal won the Bronze Medal, clocking 19:33.
