Strengthening India's Cycling Ecosystem: A Vision for the Future
Review Meeting on Cycling Development
On July 2, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, convened a detailed review meeting with Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), along with senior officials from the Federation. The focus was on enhancing India's cycling framework through increased grassroots involvement, improved athlete training, and bolstered international competitiveness.
The discussions emphasized the creation of a structured pathway for cyclists, covering everything from grassroots talent identification and community engagement to high-performance training, sports science, coaching excellence, and international exposure.
Additionally, the meeting assessed India's growing collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the advancements being made to establish India as a rising global hub for competitive cycling.
A significant topic was the upcoming Pune Grand Tour, which continues to enhance India's profile on the international cycling stage. The Minister noted that such globally recognized events not only offer Indian cyclists valuable experience against elite athletes but also highlight India's capability to host major international sporting events.
During the meeting, Maninder Pal Singh revealed that the UCI Annual Report 2026 has recognized India for its increasing contributions to global cycling.
Amina Lanaya, UCI's Director General, praised the success of the Pune Grand Tour 2025 in her message within the report, commending India's growing sporting spirit and the efforts of the Cycling Federation of India. The Minister remarked that this acknowledgment from the international governing body is a significant source of pride for the nation, showcasing India's rising prominence in the global cycling arena.
The Federation also informed the Minister about a notable achievement in Indian cycling. Ms. Harshita Jakhar has become the first Indian cyclist to be selected for the prestigious UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) Elite Training Programme. Additionally, five elite Indian sprinters—Ronaldo Singh, Esow Alban, Rojit Singh, David Beckham Elkatohchoongo, and James Singh—along with four support staff members, have been inducted into the UCI World Cycling Centre programme in Aigle, Switzerland.
The Minister welcomed this development, noting that such opportunities would provide Indian cyclists and coaches with top-tier training, sports science support, and international exposure, thereby strengthening India's long-term high-performance ecosystem.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Khelo India ASMITA Cycling City League, which has emerged as one of India's largest women-centric grassroots cycling initiatives, creating structured competitive opportunities for women cyclists across various cities and districts.
The Minister highlighted that the enthusiastic participation in ASMITA reflects the growing momentum of women's involvement in sports and the success of establishing an inclusive and sustainable pathway for nurturing future champions. She commended the initiative's role in expanding grassroots participation and fortifying the talent pipeline for Indian cycling.
Further discussions included enhancing the domestic competition framework, improving coaching and technical capabilities, promoting grassroots participation, utilizing sports science and technology, and establishing seamless pathways for talented cyclists to progress from local to national and international levels.
Raksha Khadse stated, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is experiencing a transformative shift in its sporting landscape. Initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India are creating more opportunities for participation, identifying grassroots talent, and establishing a robust pathway for sporting excellence. Cycling has tremendous potential in our country, and through sustained collaboration among the Government, sports federations, and all stakeholders, we can cultivate world-class athletes who will bring glory to India on the global stage.”
She further emphasized that a strong grassroots ecosystem, quality coaching, scientific training methods, and regular exposure through national and international competitions are crucial for preparing Indian cyclists for success at events like the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and the Olympics.
The Minister praised the Cycling Federation of India, led by Maninder Pal Singh, for its efforts in expanding competitive cycling, promoting grassroots participation, and enhancing India's relationship with the UCI.
She noted that international recognition through the UCI Annual Report 2026, the ongoing success of the Pune Grand Tour, the rapid growth of the Khelo India ASMITA Cycling City League, and the induction of Indian athletes into the UCI World Cycling Centre programme collectively signify India's emergence as a formidable force in international cycling.
She expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India, and the Cycling Federation of India would further accelerate the growth of cycling and inspire greater youth participation in the sport.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, promoting women's participation, supporting high-performance athletes, and building a world-class sporting ecosystem in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.