J&K Cycling Triumph: Budgam Athletes Clinch Three Medals at 69th SGFI National Road Cycling Championship
JAMMU, January 14, 2026 — Jammu & Kashmir’s sporting prestige reached new heights as the Khelo India Cycling Centre, Budgam, secured a remarkable three-medal haul at the ongoing 69th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Road Cycling Championship.
Leading the charge, Jehanghir Ahmad captured the gold medal in the 40 km Mass Start for the Under-19 category, showcasing elite endurance and tactical brilliance against the nation’s premier young talent.
The success continued with Arsalan Dar winning the silver medal in the 20 km Mass Start (Under-17) and Samiullah Wani earning a bronze medal in the Under-14 Mass Start, demonstrating the significant depth of talent emerging from the region.
All three champions are trainees at the Khelo India Cycling Centre in Budgam, where they receive professional instruction under the mentorship of renowned coach and ace cyclist Akbar Khan.
His emphasis on scientific training methodologies and race strategy has been cited as a pivotal factor in the athletes’ national success.
Sports Minister Satish Sharma congratulated the medalists, specifically hailing Jehanghir Ahmad’s gold as a landmark achievement for J&K sports.
The Minister emphasized that such victories are the result of modern training systems and focused coaching, reiterating the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a top-tier competitive sporting destination.
The J&K Sports Council also lauded the athletes and their coach, describing the three-medal achievement as a historic moment for regional cycling. This performance highlights the burgeoning cycling culture in the Kashmir Valley, where the challenging terrain and natural surroundings provide an ideal environment for endurance training.
Driven by expert mentorship and the success of grassroots initiatives like Khelo India, Jammu & Kashmir continues to solidify its position as a rising powerhouse on the national sports map.