SRINAGAR,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday flagged off a Cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) to mark World Bicycle Day, reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and a vibrant sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under its flagship initiative “My Youth My Pride” and witnessed enthusiastic participation from cyclists, students, youth and sports enthusiasts from different parts of the Valley.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the mascot, jersey and publicity campaign for the forthcoming Jammu Cyclothon and announced the dates for the event. He also announced that the Kashmir Cyclothon would be organised as a national-level event, aimed at attracting cyclists from across the country while promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for adventure tourism and sporting activities.
Interacting with participants, Omar Abdullah appreciated the growing popularity of cycling and stressed the importance of adopting active lifestyles for improved physical and mental well-being. He described cycling as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport that contributes to public health while supporting environmental conservation efforts.
The Chief Minister also lauded the initiatives being undertaken by the Youth Services and Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council to encourage greater public participation in sports and recreational activities. He said such events help promote fitness, strengthen community engagement and create awareness about important social issues.
The cyclothon carried the message of combating sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse and excessive screen time among youth while encouraging participation in sports and physical activity. Participants echoed the theme: “Say No to Drugs, No to Screen Addiction and Yes to Fitness & Sport.”
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary RSGC Haris Ahmed Handoo, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The cycling awareness ride commenced from the Royal Springs Golf Course and proceeded towards Duck Park on Foreshore Road, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometres.
A large number of cyclists from different age groups participated in the event, which traversed designated routes across the city as part of the World Bicycle Day celebrations.
