Tamil Nadu:Over 150 cyclists participate in Asmita Khelo India Cycling League in Chennai
Chennai, June 14
The Asmita Khelo India Cycling League, a women's road cycling event organised by the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association under the Khelo India initiative, was held successfully in Chennai on Sunday with the participation of more than 150 women cyclists.
The event, aimed at promoting women's empowerment, fitness and sporting excellence, was conducted along the Island Grounds Loop. The race commenced from Swamy Sivananda Salai near the MLA Hostel (TV Tower).
M Sudhakar, President of the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association, and D Palani, General Secretary of the Chennai District Cycling Association, were among the dignitaries present.
Organisers said the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 150 women cyclists, highlighting the growing interest in cycling and sports among women. The league was conducted as part of the Asmita Khelo India programme, which seeks to encourage women's participation in sports and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
The event concluded by giving prizes, with participants and officials emphasising the importance of sports in empowering women and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Last Sunday, Delhi witnessed a sea of people converging at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the National Capital celebrated World Bicycle Day with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, leading the nationwide special edition along with famous actor Vikrant Massey, World Championships silver medal-winning boxer Nupur Sheoran and famous Kannada actor Ragini Dwivedi.
More than 15,000 fitness enthusiasts rode a bicycle in New Delhi, and over 4 lakh people participated in the single-day cycling drive at thousands of locations across the length and breadth of India, from Kargil and Leh to Kanyakumari and Alleppey, and from Tripura to Vadodara.
Started by Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the cycling initiative has touched more than 30 lakh lives and thousands of locations in India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a woman who cycles regularly in Chennai, I'm thrilled about this! The roads can be challenging, but events like these build confidence and community. More power to the participants and organisers! 👏
Impressive participation numbers! But I hope the cycling infrastructure in Chennai improves to sustain this interest beyond events. Safe dedicated lanes would encourage more women to cycle regularly. Good start though!
Wonderful initiative by Khelo India! Seeing 150+ women cyclists in Chennai is inspiring. My daughter is now motivated to take up cycling properly. These grassroots events are what build a sporting culture. 🇮🇳
Great to see cycling gaining traction. But we need to focus on safety - too many reckless drivers on Indian roads. The government should invest in better cycling infrastructure alongside these events. Keep it up!
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