Pakistan cycling team to reach India to compete in event

Islamabad: A Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) team is set to attend the upcoming Asian Track Cycling Championship in India. PCF President Syed Azhar Ali Shah informed that the cycling team would reach New Delhi soon to participate in the event scheduled from June 18 to 22, IANS reported.

Azhar Ali Shah said, "The decision about the participation of the national team in the Asian Track Cycling Championship has been taken in the Executive Council meeting of the federation." "In this connection, trials for selection of cyclists will be held on May 8 at Cycling Velodrome Lahore. All affiliated units of PCF, including Pakistan Army and WAPDA, have been directed to field their riders before the selection committee," he added.

He said that it would be ensured that all those who qualify for the tournament would have valid passports for visa application and processing. In addition to that, the attendees will also keep a valid cycling license is mandatory.

He further said, "In the past, POA did not grant accreditation to PCF in various international sports events due to which the cyclists missed many important international events. POA must change their attitude towards cycling and give due status to PCF."

Though cycling has not been a favourite for Pakistanis and never aired even on local channels, the sport is gathering interest in people now, as club-level cyclists are trained and equipped with international facilities to meet the criteria for participating in global events.

Shah also requested the Pak administration to allow PCF to participate in the upcoming South Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.