Srinagar: In a first, Srinagar will be hosting first ever Off-Road Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) championship at Polo Ground, here on August 9 and 10.
The two-day, first of its kind event to be held in J&K, would be organized by Sheik Ul Aalam Sports Development Association Budgam in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council. The event would be co-sponsored by J&K Bank, J&K Tourism and supported by Amblin. In it around 300 cyclists in various groups from across valley are expected to participate.
“It is a concept that has been formulated with the idea of making cycling a spectator sport. Normally cycling event is held on road and only at start and finish is witnessed by spectators,” said organizer Gulzar Ahmad of Budgam.
“Aim is simple, conduct an adventure cycling event in city central Polo Ground. Never before such type of cycling event has been held in J&K. It will give head start to organizing of such type of events and we are confident that it will emerge out as huge hit among youngsters in Kashmir,” he said.
Organizers have planned to conduct short distance races inside Polo Ground with obstacles created to keep speed within limits. The event would be held for age group of Under-14, 17 and open category. While first two categories have been reserved for school going participants, in open category anyone from any part of State can take part.
For the event, organizers have been able to rope in only International cyclist of the State, Mohammad Akber Khan and he has been given charge of chief organizer.
“I am happy to be part of the event and happy to see Sports Council, JK Bank and Tourism also being part of it. It will start a trend that will make cycling popular in J&K. Currently we have got some top quality road cycling riders and among them couple are National medalists. But still we have not been able to make it spectator sport as we lack valedrome facility. This unique concept will make it spectators sport in absence of top facilities,” Akber said.
“When the organizers put idea in front of me I readily agreed to be part of it. It is my way of giving something back to the game that has given me so much,” he said.
For registration and information cyclists have been asked to contact on cell numbers: 9419009437 and 9906432631.