India’s Cycling Future Shines Bright at Review Meeting
In a significant stride for the sport of cycling in India, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, convened a vital review meeting today with Shri Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), and senior officials. The primary focus of this meeting was to chart a comprehensive roadmap aimed at fortifying India’s cycling ecosystem through enhanced grassroots participation, improved athlete development, and elevated international competitiveness.
Strengthening the Cycling Pathway
At the heart of the deliberations was the need for a structured pathway for cyclists. Discussions emphasized the importance of identifying talent at the grassroots level, fostering community engagement, and facilitating high-performance training. The meeting sought to integrate sports science and coaching excellence to ensure that Indian cyclists gain the international exposure needed to compete on the global stage.
Pune Grand Tour and Global Recognition
A highlight of the meeting was the upcoming Pune Grand Tour, an event that is raising India’s profile on the international cycling calendar. Minister Khadse pointed out that such internationally recognized competitions offer Indian cyclists the invaluable opportunity to compete against world-class athletes, while also demonstrating India’s capabilities in hosting prestigious global sporting events.
During the review, Shri Maninder Pal Singh noted that India’s growing influence in global cycling has been acknowledged in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Annual Report 2026. In this report, Ms. Amina Lanaya, UCI’s Director General, praised the successful Pune Grand Tour 2025 and commended India’s evolving sports culture. This recognition is a source of immense pride and highlights India’s burgeoning stature in the global cycling arena.
Pathways for Elite Cyclists
The meeting also celebrated another milestone as Indian cyclist Ms. Harshita Jakhar became the first athlete from the country selected for the prestigious UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) Elite Training Programme. Additionally, five elite Indian sprinters have also been inducted into the WCC program in Switzerland, which promises world-class training resources and international exposure, vital for strengthening India’s high-performance cycling landscape.
Advancing Women’s Participation
Further discussions addressed the Khelo India ASMITA Cycling City League, recognized as one of the largest women-centric grassroots cycling initiatives in India. The Minister lauded the program for successfully engaging women cyclists and establishing structured competitive opportunities, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusivity and nurturing future talents.
A Vision for the Future
Minister Khadse noted that under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is undergoing a transformative shift in its sporting ecosystem. Initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India are pivotal in enhancing participation opportunities, identifying grassroots talent, and laying down a robust pathway for sporting success. The Minister asserted that cycling holds significant potential in India, and through synergistic efforts among the government, sports federations, and stakeholders, the country can cultivate world-class athletes capable of excelling on global platforms.
She commended the Cycling Federation of India for its efforts in elevating the competitive landscape and extending grassroots participation. The meeting reiterated the government’s commitment to bolster sports infrastructure, promote women’s involvement, support elite athletes, and foster a world-class sporting environment aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
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