Gear Up for Action of Cycling at National Games 2025
Uttarakhand is gearing up to host the 38th edition of the National Games from January 28 to February 14.
With the state celebrating its Silver Jubilee year of foundation, the National Games 2025 promises to be a landmark event, not only because of the intense competition but also due to the growing prominence of cycling.
This year, cycling will feature prominently as a key sport, attracting attention from athletes, fans, and the media alike.
As the sport’s popularity continues to surge in India, the National Games provide the perfect stage for cyclists to shine and take the sport to new heights.
While cycling has been featured in past editions of the Games, this year’s event is expected to bring heightened interest, with improved facilities and a more structured approach to competitive cycling.
The cycling events will be held in the city of Rudrapur at the Velocity Rudrapur Stadium.
The growing support from state and national sports bodies has made it clear that cycling is no longer just a recreational activity but an integral part of India’s sports ecosystem.
The Competitive Cycling Events: What’s on the Schedule?
The National Games 2025 will showcase a wide array of cycling disciplines, making it one of the most diverse and exciting events in recent memory.
The competition will feature road races, track cycling, and mountain biking.
Each category brings its own set of unique challenges, requiring athletes to master different techniques and strategies.
Fans can expect 13 days of action-packed cycling excitement from January 30, 2025 (Thursday) to February 11, 2025 (Tuesday).
Track cycling, which takes place in velodromes, will highlight speed, precision, and aerodynamic efficiency. Competitors will race around an oval track, using techniques that allow them to achieve remarkable speeds.
The highly specialized design of track bikes ensures that every millisecond counts.
The Kerala Track Cycling squad for the National Games features 18 riders. With powerful pedals and unwavering focus, they’re ready to dominate the velodrome and make Kerala proud. Cyclists like Aleena Reji, Divina Joy, Frank Nelson, Enosh Sebastian, and Atharva Ashok Patil will be vying for the top spots, aiming to make their mark on the national stage.
Meanwhile, mountain biking will offer a thrilling test of strength and stamina, with cyclists navigating rugged terrain, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather conditions.
This discipline is growing in prominence in India as more cyclists embrace off-road challenges and adventure cycling. The north-eastern states seem to have a profound interest in this discipline, likely due to their geography.
Cyclists like Khariksing Adonis Tangpuand Khundrakpam Ronel Singh will represent the state of Manipur in the MTB event.
Additionally, two riders from Sikkim, Ganesh Parsai and Asim Sharma, have secured their spots for the Men’s MTB event.
Both athletes will compete in the challenging MTB category at the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand.
Another notable name from Arunachal Pradesh is Tajum Dere, who will also be participating in the cycling events.
Cycling’s Growing Impact on Indian Sports
The National Games 2025 has the potential to spark a wider cycling movement in India. As interest in the sport grows, so does the desire for more cycling-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated cycling lanes, bike-sharing programs, and more cycling events across the country.
This shift in infrastructure and enthusiasm will not only enhance competitive cycling but also encourage recreational cycling, making it more accessible to the general population.
Cycling can serve as an ideal fitness solution for India’s young population, offering a low-impact and highly effective way to stay healthy. The visibility of professional cyclists at the National Games is expected to inspire young people across the country to take up cycling, either competitively or recreationally.
Telecast Details
Cycling events in the National Games 2025 are expected to be telecast live on the DD Sports TV channel in India.
Live streaming and highlights are also planned to be available on JioCinema and YouTube. Be sure to keep an eye on these platforms for updates and future announcements regarding the broadcast of the Games.
Conclusion
As we gear up for action, it’s clear that cycling’s future in the National Games—and in India as a whole—is looking brighter than ever.
