Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flags off cyclothon on World Bicycle Day to launch sports campaign
SRINAGAR, June 3, 2026 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off a cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course to mark World Bicycle Day, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles, and a vibrant sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under its flagship initiative My Youth My Pride, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from cyclists, youth, students, and sports enthusiasts from different parts of the Valley. On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the mascot, jersey, and publicity campaign for the forthcoming Jammu Cyclothon and announced the official dates for the event.
He also announced the conduct of the Kashmir Cyclothon as a national-level event aimed at attracting participants from across the country and promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for adventure and sporting activities.
Interacting with the participants, the Chief Minister appreciated the growing interest in cycling and emphasized the importance of adopting active lifestyles to ensure better physical and mental well-being. He highlighted cycling as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport that contributes to public health while supporting efforts toward environmental conservation.
The Chief Minister also lauded the initiatives being undertaken by the Youth Services and Sports Department and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council to encourage mass participation in sports and recreational activities, noting that such events strengthen community engagement and create awareness about important social issues.
The cyclothon carried a strong message of combating sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse, and excessive screen time among youth, echoing the theme Say No to Drugs, No to Screen Addiction and Yes to Fitness and Sport.The cycling awareness ride commenced from the Royal Springs Golf Course and proceeded toward Duck Park on Foreshore Road, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers through designated routes in the city. A large number of participants from different age groups took part in the event.
The occasion was attended by 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 Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmed Handoo, Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and other senior officers.