Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, recently conducted a detailed review meeting with officials from the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) to strategize on enhancing India’s cycling landscape. The discussions centered on fostering grassroots involvement, advancing athlete development, and boosting international competitiveness in cycling.
The meeting highlighted the importance of establishing a clear pathway for cyclists, spanning from talent identification at the grassroots level to high-performance training and international exposure. Emphasis was placed on India’s collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to position the country as a prominent global hub for competitive cycling.
A significant topic of conversation was the upcoming Pune Grand Tour, which plays a crucial role in elevating India’s status on the global cycling stage. The Minister underscored the value of such international events in providing Indian cyclists with exposure to top-tier athletes and showcasing India’s capacity to host global sporting competitions successfully.
Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the CFI, shared that India received special recognition in the UCI Annual Report 2026 for its growing impact on global cycling. The report acknowledged India’s achievements, particularly citing the success of the Pune Grand Tour 2025. This recognition from the UCI reflects India’s increasing prominence in the global cycling arena.
The Federation also informed the Minister about a significant milestone for Indian cycling – the selection of the first Indian cyclist, Ms. Harshita Jakhar, for the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) Elite Training Programme. Additionally, five elite sprinters and support staff from India have been inducted into the UCI World Cycling Centre programme in Switzerland, aiming to enhance their skills and international exposure.
The Minister commended these developments, recognizing the opportunities they offer Indian cyclists and coaches for top-notch training, sports science support, and global exposure. She highlighted the long-term benefits of such initiatives in strengthening India’s high-performance cycling ecosystem.
The progress of the Khelo India ASMITA Cycling City League, a prominent women-centric grassroots cycling program, was also reviewed during the meeting. The Minister praised the initiative for promoting women’s participation in sports and nurturing future champions, contributing to the growth of Indian cycling.
Further discussions revolved around expanding domestic competitions, enhancing coaching and technical capabilities, fostering grassroots participation, leveraging sports science and technology, and facilitating the progression of talented cyclists to national and international levels. The Minister emphasized the transformative impact of initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India in creating opportunities for sporting excellence in India.
