CM Omar Abdullah Flags Off World Bicycle Day Cyclothon, Launches Jammu Cyclothon Campaign
Srinagar, June 3 (PTK): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday flagged off a Cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar to mark World Bicycle Day, reiterating the government’s commitment towards promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and a vibrant sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under its flagship initiative “My Youth My Pride,” witnessed enthusiastic participation from cyclists, students, sports enthusiasts and youth from various parts of the Kashmir Valley.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled the mascot, official jersey and publicity campaign for the upcoming Jammu Cyclothon and announced the dates for the event. He also declared that the Kashmir Cyclothon would be organised as a national-level sporting event aimed at attracting cyclists from across the country while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for adventure sports and tourism.
Interacting with participants, Omar Abdullah appreciated the growing popularity of cycling among young people and stressed the importance of adopting active and healthy lifestyles for better physical and mental well-being.
He highlighted cycling as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport that not only promotes personal fitness but also contributes towards environmental conservation and cleaner urban spaces.
The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council for encouraging mass participation in sports and recreational activities across the Union Territory. He said such initiatives play a vital role in building healthy communities and raising awareness about important social issues.
The cyclothon carried a strong social message aimed at discouraging sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse and excessive screen addiction among youth while encouraging fitness and sporting activities. Participants echoed the campaign theme: “Say No to Drugs, No to Screen Addiction and Yes to Fitness & Sport.”
Among those present on the occasion were 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.
The cycling awareness ride commenced from Royal Springs Golf Course and proceeded towards Duck Park on Foreshore Road, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometres through designated routes in Srinagar city.
A large number of participants from different age groups joined the event, reflecting growing public interest in fitness, cycling and healthy living initiatives.(PTK)
