Pune to Host 2032 UCI Road World Championships: A Historic First for India

The Indian Olympic Association has announced that Pune will host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, marking a historic first for India. This decision, revealed at the UCI Congress in Canada, highlights India's growing prominence in the global sports arena. PT Usha, President of the IOA, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the opportunity to inspire future generations. Pune's cycling profile has been on the rise, having previously hosted the Pune Grand Tour, which attracted international competitors. This landmark event is set to position India as a significant player in the world of cycling.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 25, 2026, 14:07 IST

Historic Announcement for Indian Cycling

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed its enthusiasm regarding the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI) decision to host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships in Pune, India. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time this prestigious event takes place in the country. The announcement was made during the 195th UCI Congress held in Montréal, Canada, on September 23, where several UCI World Championships were allocated for the period from 2027 to 2034. This landmark decision not only highlights India's growing stature in the sports arena but also presents an opportunity to welcome athletes, teams, and cycling enthusiasts from across the globe.

A Moment of Pride for Indian Sports

PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, remarked, "The decision to award the 2032 UCI Road World Championships to Pune is a proud and historic moment for Indian sports as we strive to enhance our international event portfolio. We extend our gratitude to the UCI for their confidence in India and congratulate the Cycling Federation of India, its President Pankaj Singh, and all those involved in this remarkable achievement. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the world's top cyclists to Pune and inspiring future generations throughout the nation."

Pune's Rising Cycling Reputation

This award further cements Pune's growing reputation in the international cycling community. Earlier in 2026, the city successfully hosted the Pune Grand Tour, which was India's inaugural UCI-classified 2.2 multi-stage men's road race. This event attracted 164 riders from 28 teams across 35 countries, providing them with a platform to earn crucial ranking points for qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

A Landmark for Indian Cycling

Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, stated, "The allocation of the 2032 UCI Road World Championships to Pune is a groundbreaking moment for Indian cycling. In over 100 editions of this esteemed event, it will only be the fourth time it is held in Asia and the first time in India. Under the guidance of Pankaj Singh ji, MLA and President of the CFI, this achievement will elevate India's status as a significant player on the global cycling stage and represents a major milestone for both cycling and Indian sports overall."