Car Nicobar's Bridney Shatters National Cycling Record with Grit and Support
A Triumph of Determination from Car Nicobar
Every champion has a unique story behind their accolades. For 16-year-old IS Bridney from Car Nicobar, her journey is marked by resilience, family sacrifices, a supportive coach, and an unwavering institutional framework that helped her overcome geographical challenges. At the 78th senior, 55th junior, and 41st sub-junior national track cycling championships held in Khelgaon, Ranchi, Jharkhand, on November 3, 2026, Bridney achieved a significant milestone. Competing in the sub-junior girls' 500m Individual Time Trial, she clocked an impressive 37.479 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 38.700 seconds set by Trisha Paul, a medalist at the Asian Cup and Asian Track Cycling Championships.
The Journey from Roots to Records
For a teenager who began her athletic career without access to a cycling velodrome or standard competition facilities, winning gold and setting a national record is a monumental achievement. "I was in great shape during my training with coach Vishwajit Balkrishna Sutar at SAI, Car Nicobar. I aimed to perform well, but I never anticipated breaking the national record. I just focused on giving my best," Bridney shared with SAI Media.
Hailing from Kinyuka village in Car Nicobar, Bridney comes from a humble background. Her mother, Junia, is a homemaker, while her father, Ruther, supports the family through coconut farming and copra sales. For a family reliant on traditional agriculture, nurturing a child's sporting aspirations has been challenging. Nevertheless, her parents have always backed her dreams. Initially drawn to football and the 100-meter sprint, Bridney discovered her talent for cycling during selection trials in November 2022. Coach Sutar recognized her potential and introduced her to the sport, leading to her enrollment in the SAI Training Centre in Car Nicobar in 2023, where she honed her cycling skills.
Overcoming Infrastructural Challenges
Bridney's path was fraught with obstacles. The STC Car Nicobar lacked a cycling velodrome and the necessary competition-grade equipment for national-level training. Acknowledging Bridney's talent, Sutar took the initiative to address these shortcomings. He sourced competition-standard equipment through his former trainees in Thiruvananthapuram and Kolhapur, ensuring that local facility limitations would not hinder her progress. Her subsequent national performances, including gold medals at the National Track Cycling Championship in Chennai in 2024-25 and the Team Sprint event at the School National Championships in Ranchi, further validated her potential.
Sutar's role extended beyond coaching; his efforts to identify talent, procure essential equipment, and tackle infrastructural challenges ensured Bridney had the opportunities she needed to thrive. Recognizing the limitations faced by STC Car Nicobar, SAI NCOE Kolkata played a vital role in enhancing Bridney's training environment. They provided financial, administrative, and technical support to address critical infrastructure and equipment needs, allowing her talent to flourish. Training camps in Thiruvananthapuram and Ranchi, along with nutritional guidance and technical coaching, created a more structured preparation framework. This journey illustrates how an effective sports development system can connect grassroots centers in remote areas with the resources necessary to cultivate national-level talent.
Consistency and Future Ambitions
Bridney's recent success is the result of consistent effort. During the 2025-26 season, she earned silver in the Under-16/Sub-Junior Girls category at the National Track Cycling Championship in Rudrapur, competing against formidable opponents, including Maharashtra's Abha Soman. She also secured silver medals at the School Nationals. In Ranchi, she outperformed top competitors like Florence Devi of Manipur, Gayatri Tambvekar of Maharashtra, and Diksha of Rajasthan to set a new national record.
About three months ago, Bridney was selected under the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) program at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. She is currently training there under foreign coach Mark Pakker, gaining access to specialized coaching and enhanced competitive preparation. Bridney aspires to represent India on the international stage and aims to win a medal at the Asian Games.
Bridney expresses deep gratitude to Sutar, who introduced her to cycling and supported her throughout her early career. "I wouldn't be where I am today without my coach (Sutar) introducing me to cycling. That initial opportunity was crucial for my journey. His contribution has been immense," she stated. Sutar, assessing her potential, expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, "In my view, Bridney has remarkable talent, determination, and potential. With the right training, facilities, and ongoing support, I believe she can win a medal at the World Championships one day."
From the coconut farms of Kinyuka village to the national record books in Ranchi, Bridney's story exemplifies how champions can emerge from the most unexpected places. Behind her record lies a family's faith, a coach's unwavering dedication, and an institutional support system that transformed limited opportunities into meaningful achievements. Her journey is not just about her speed over 500 meters; it highlights how far determination, dedicated coaching, and a supportive sporting ecosystem can propel a young girl from a remote island. Bridney is now racing toward a larger dream, bringing pride to India.