69th National Track Cycling Championship kicks off

LAHORE: The 69th National Track Cycling Championship is set to begin in Lahore today, featuring cyclists from 10 teams.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, President of the Pakistan Cycling Federation, Azhar Shah, revealed that the three-day championship will include competitions in the men’s, women’s, and junior categories. Teams from Sui Southern Gas, Gilgit-Baltistan, Wah Ordnance Factory, and all four provinces will be participating.

However, he noted that Army and WAPDA teams have not yet been granted permission to participate in the championship. The closing ceremony of the three-day championship will be graced by the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah, who will be distributing prizes among the players on December 29. A lifetime achievement award will also be presented to former organizer Salam Butt.

The Championship, is scheduled to take place at the Cycling Velodrome in Nishtar Park, Lahore. The championship brings together elite cyclists and emerging talents from across Pakistan, showcasing the country’s growing passion for the sport.

Azhar stated that the championship features a dynamic range of events, including the Individual Time Trial, Team Pursuit, Keirin, Elimination Race, and Individual Pursuit. This diversity ensures thrilling action for athletes and spectators alike, as Pakistan’s best cyclists battle for supremacy on the track.

One of the championship’s key highlights is the participation of young cyclists aged 15 and 16, providing a platform for the next generation of athletes to shine. The event also serves as a gateway for international exposure, with the top-performing athletes earning the honor of representing Pakistan at the upcoming National Cycling Championship in Thailand, scheduled for February 6, 2025.

Speaking about the championship, Syed Azhar Ali Shah emphasized the importance of such events in promoting cycling and fostering young talent in Pakistan. “The National Track Cycling Championship is a cornerstone of our efforts to uplift the sport in Pakistan.