Srinagar, July 17: Continuing his supremacy in the cycling arena of the Valley, Muhammad Akbar Khan of Amar Singh College cruised to victory in the 2nd JK Bank-Magpie Kashmir Cycling Challenge held from Habak Naseem Bagh to Nun Kun Park at The Boulevard here on Tuesday.
 The second of its kind event organised by J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) held in Valley on second successive year saw around 384 cyclists from all over Valley participating in two categories of Under-17 and open boys. Though it was Under-17 and open category event, riders from eight years of age to 80 years were seen competing. They may have not won anything but were very much part of the event.
 The run was flagged off by Director Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industry Pvt. Ltd and Olympian, Mir Mudasir at Habak Naseem Bagh crossing and after passing through foreshore road, Nishat Garden it culminated at Nun Kun Park.
 Initially it was Umer Nabi who took the lead but Akbar never allowed him to move too far. In the closely fought event only that competitor would finish ahead of rest who have got extra energy, power at later stage. At finish line it was Akbar who sprinted away from Umer with ease showing his sprint power. It was close finish and only due superior physical strength Muhammad Akbar of Amar Singh College was able to finish ahead of Umer Nabi of Shalimar Cycling Club. Akbar completed 12-kilometre event in 19 minutes and was closely followed by Umer. With this win Akbar cemented his place as the top rider of the State after winning back to back events. Last year winner, Hilal Sofi of Islamia College finished third while Mudasir of Physical College Ganderbal finished fourth and Umer of Shalimar Cycling Club fifth.
 In Under-17 category, it was Amir of SP Higher Secondary School who cruised to victory while Rashid of Kashmir Harward Educational Institute finished second.
 Mansoor Ahmad of Chinar Cycling Club bagged third place while as Parvez Ahmad of same club bagged fourth. Yasin Ahmad of Chinar CC was fifth.
 Director Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industry Pvt. Ltd and Olympian, Mir Mudasir was chief guest on the occasion and distributed prizes among the winners. Valleys’ two International footballers, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad who were expected to be present on the occasion could attend the function due to their second match against Mohammedan Sporting Kolkatta at Baramulla.
 Mudasir said, “It is great to see so many cyclists young and old, competing in the event from all over Valley. The champion, Akbar has come all along from Magam and then cruising to victory, it is amazing to see such a talent”.
 “I was not aware about the cycling talent in Valley. This event has opened my eyes and from today I will be looking at cyclists of Valley with respect,” he said.
 He said that Valley has got lot of talent in this kind of sport and he will personally look to promote it.
 “We have got talent in abundance and more and more talent should be explored through events like this. JKSDA is doing commendable job and I suggest them to organise more such events and give something to cheer for the riders. I am ready to help whenever my services would be required,” he said.
 The organisers thanked SP Traffic, Haseeb-ur-Rehamn and Red Cross Srinagar for extending their cooperation in making this event a success and incident free one.
 “It would not have been possible to organise this event without the support of SP Traffic City, Haseeb-ur-Rehman and Red Cross Srinagar who provided necessary assistance for the incident prone event of cycling,” said organising secretary of JKSDA.
 “We are planning to organise many more events in coming months. the month of Ramadhan will allow us to plan and we will be busy in later months of the year,” he added.
 Among others present were Physical Director Islamia College, Altaf-ur-Rehman, International Sqay Martial Art Council, Founder Mir Nazir veteran weightlifter, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, JK Bank Associate Executive Aijaz Ahmad and others.
 The event was sponsored by J&K Bank and Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industry Pvt. Ltd.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST