J&K to host first international cycling race

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir will host its first ever international cycling race, in which riders from 54 countries are expected to take part, in the first week of December this year.

"Encouraged by successful conduct of mega sports events in the Valley during the past couple of years, the government will provide another opportunity to the sports lover soon to witness first ever International Cycling Race event here," an official spokesman said. He said the event has been tentatively scheduled to be held in the summer capital during the first week of December this year. It is being organised by ID Sports, a sports organisation, in collaboration with leading business houses of the country. More than 400 delegates and cyclists from 54 countries will participate in the event. Minister for Youth Services and Sports R S Chib chaired a meeting here on Friday to discuss the arrangements and other aspects connected with the event. Appreciating the initiative of the organisers, Chib said the state government will extend all necessary logistic support for this event. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is taking initiatives to promote sports in the state. "Several measures in this direction have been taken by the Government during the past three and half years and state has been able to conduct various mega sports events across the State, particularly in the Valley," he added. PTI