The tricolour flew high in Thailand as Harshita Jakhar produced a stunning performance to win gold in the Junior Women’s 3km Individual Pursuit at the Track Asia Cup 2025, defeating none other than the reigning junior Asian record holder, Samira Ismailova of Uzbekistan.
Her victory was more than just a medal it was a moment of pride. As the national anthem rang out during the medal ceremony, it marked the rise of a new name in Indian cycling. Harshita clocked 3:59.284 in the final, overcoming Ismailova with a mix of tactical pacing and raw endurance. For a teenager competing against the continent’s very best, it was a statement performance that announced her arrival at the elite junior level. Earlier in the day, Harshita had also clinched a silver medal in the Junior Women’s Scratch Race, making it a double delight for her and her camp.
Two medals in a single day, including a gold in a record-breaking event, underline the potential she carries.
The Jakhar name echoed across the velodrome as not just Harshita, but also her cousin Aditya Jakhar claimed a medal. Competing in the Junior Men’s 1km Time Trial, Aditya secured bronze with a timing of 1:08.619, joining his cousin on the podium. Guiding both of them is Harshita’s father, Rakesh Jakhar, a former Commonwealth Games cyclist who has transitioned into coaching. His experience and discipline have clearly rubbed off on the youngsters, who are steadily making their mark in international cycling.
Ronaldo Adds to India’s Tally
Adding to the medal haul was Ronaldo Laitonjam, one of India’s most promising sprinters. Ronaldo, who won silver in the Keirin at last year’s edition, secured a bronze in the Men’s Elite 1km Time Trial with a timing of 1:06.073. His Keirin campaign this year, however, ended on a less memorable note. After qualifying for the semifinals through repechages, Ronaldo could only finish fifth in his SF and later suffered relegation in the 7–12 classification race. Still, his time trial podium ensured that India’s elite cyclists also contributed to the medal count.
Mixed Results for the Rest
While India celebrated four medals on Day 2, there were also some near misses:
- Esow Alban, another of India’s sprint stars, fell short of making the Keirin semifinals.
- Prithvi Raj, competing in the Junior Keirin, managed a respectable 10th-place finish overall.
- Several of India’s junior cyclists gained valuable exposure despite failing to progress deep into their events.
India’s Medal Tally So Far
By the end of Day 2, India’s medal count at the Track Asia Cup 2025 stood at four:
- Gold Harshita Jakhar – Junior Women’s Individual Pursuit
- Silver Harshita Jakhar – Junior Women’s Scratch Race
- Bronze Ronaldo Laitonjam – Men’s Elite 1km Time Trial
- Bronze Aditya Jakhar – Junior Men’s 1km Time Trial
What makes the day truly remarkable is the storyline behind the medals. Two cousins Harshita and Aditya trained under a father-coach who himself once represented India, now bringing home medals at an international competition on home soil. For Harshita, beating the junior Asian record holder in her pet event will give her massive confidence heading into bigger competitions, including the Asian Championships and World Junior events. For Ronaldo, the consistency of medaling at the continental level reinforces his stature as a key member of India’s sprint project.
The Track Asia Cup still has several days of action left, with India fielding both elite and junior cyclists across sprint and endurance events. If the start is anything to go by, there is reason to hope for more podiums. But regardless of what follows, the sight of the national anthem being played for Harshita Jakhar’s gold will remain one of the defining memories of this edition. It was not just a medal, but the symbol of a family’s commitment, a federation’s investment, and a nation’s growing belief in its cyclists.
