Srinagar: More than 4,000 people participated in the ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ cycling event in Srinagar on Thursday, as Jammu and Kashmir Police announced plans to expand youth engagement and sporting activities to promote fitness and help steer young people away from drug abuse and other social problems.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, addressing participants, said sports played an important role in developing discipline, mental resilience and healthy lifestyles among young people. He also expressed concern over increasing smartphone dependence and sedentary habits, saying outdoor activities such as cycling could encourage people to spend less time on screens.
“Cycling is not merely about physical fitness; it also helps build mental strength, resilience and discipline,” Prabhat said while congratulating the participants and winners.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service on the sidelines of the event, the DGP said the police would continue to organise sporting activities to encourage youth participation and promote a drug-free and secure Jammu and Kashmir.
“More and more youth engagement, more and more sporting activities,” he said when asked about the department’s future plans.
He said the broader objective was to ensure a drug-free and secure Jammu and Kashmir where people could lead happy, healthy and prosperous lives.
Prabhat said the police had been organising sports events at different levels to encourage young people to participate in constructive activities and help steer them away from drug abuse and gambling. He also referred to the establishment of 28 indoor and open-air gyms across the Union Territory as part of efforts to promote fitness.
Additional Director General of Police Nitish Kumar said more than 5,000 people had registered for the cycling event, which featured 10 categories covering professional cyclists, senior and junior mountain bikers, boys and girls under 14 and 17 years, veterans above 45 years and specially-abled participants.
Kumar highlighted the participation of women and specially-abled athletes, particularly women competing in the wheelchair category. He also referred to the participation of a child aged around four, saying the event brought together people from different age groups and backgrounds.
The organisers announced prizes worth approximately ₹5.82 lakh for the winners. A raffle draw featuring bicycles and sports watches was also held.
The event was organised with support from the police and other partners, including Air AG Arms Police. The DGP thanked the organising committee and other stakeholders for facilitating the event and acknowledged the media’s role in encouraging public participation in sports.
Prabhat also referred to other sporting initiatives organised to engage young people, including the Kashmir Marathon and Jashn-e-Dal, which attracted around 6,000 participants across 40 categories, including women and young people.
Upcoming events on the police calendar include the Martyrs Memorial Football Tournament in Srinagar, Run for Unity in Jammu, and hockey and cricket tournaments dedicated to the memory of martyrs.
Kumar also highlighted the achievements of Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in national and international sporting competitions. Special Police Officer Suryabhanu Pratap won gold at the 11th Moscow Stars Wushu Championship 2026, while SPO Arvinder Singh secured bronze at the 10th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2026.
The police said such initiatives were aimed at providing young people with opportunities to participate in sports, develop their abilities and adopt healthier lifestyles while strengthening community engagement.
