SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday flagged off a Cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar to mark World Bicycle Day, reiterating the government’s focus on promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and a sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under its flagship programme “My Youth My Pride” and saw participation from cyclists, students, youth and sports enthusiasts from across the Valley.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the mascot, jersey and publicity campaign for the upcoming Jammu Cyclothon and announced its dates. He further declared that the Kashmir Cyclothon would be conducted as a national-level event to encourage participation from cyclists across the country and position Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for adventure and sporting activities.
Interacting with participants, the Chief Minister welcomed the growing interest in cycling and stressed the importance of adopting active lifestyles for better physical and mental well-being. He described cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport that supports public health as well as environmental conservation.
He also appreciated the initiatives of the Youth Services and Sports Department and the JK Sports Council in promoting mass participation in sporting and recreational activities, stating that such events help foster community engagement and raise awareness on social issues.
The cyclothon carried messages against sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse and excessive screen time, while promoting fitness and sports under the theme: “Say No to Drugs, No to Screen Addiction and Yes to Fitness and Sport.”
Those present on the occasion included 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 JK Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, among other senior officials.
The awareness ride began at RSGC and proceeded towards Duck Park along Foreshore Road, covering a distance of around 20 kilometres. Participants from various age groups took part as the route passed through designated areas of the city.
