কয়েক হাজার সাইক্লিস্টের প্যাডেলে কেঁপে উঠল ভোরের কলকাতা

Part of the nationwide “Sundays on Cycle” initiative launched by Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the one-day event drew over 4,000 participants from Kolkata and neighboring regions.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Ms. Amar Jyoti, Executive Director, SAI RC Kolkata; Shri Krishna Prakash, IPS, Honorary Race Director; Shri Mukesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar; Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Chairman, Coal India Limited; Shri P. M. Prasad, former Chairman, Coal India Limited; Padma Bhushan awardees Leander Paes (legendary tennis player) and Usha Uthup (iconic singer); Bollywood playback singer Shadab Faridi; and Mr. Ashok Kumar, Postmaster General, Kolkata.

The Ride and Its Route

The Cyclothon followed a 35 km loop starting from the SAI Main Gate through Karunamoyee, Sector V, CNCI Hospital, ITC Hatisala, and back to SAI. The 70 km category completed two loops, while shorter distances used proportionate turnarounds along the same protected corridor.

With the theme “Ride for Change, Ride for Kolkata,” the event offered five categories —

70 km Pro Ride

50 km Endurance Ride

25 km Amateur Ride

10 km Fun Ride

5 km Fun Run

The event drew people of all ages and fitness levels, filling Kolkata’s streets with cheering crowds, live music, and an atmosphere of unity and joy.

Reflecting the spirit of togetherness, the Cyclothon saw strong participation from organizations such as the Railways, NDRF, Coal India, National Institute of Homeopathy, local police, and the armed forces. In a truly inspiring highlight, over 300 specially-abled children from the National Institute of Locomotor Disabilities, accompanied by their buddies, joined the ride—making it a truly inclusive celebration.

The event began at 4:20 AM with the flag-off of the flagship 70 km ride from the SAI Main Gate (NSEC, Salt Lake). Finishers were greeted by a live performance by Bollywood singer Shadab Faridi, adding a festive flourish to the morning.

Padma Bhushan awardees Leander Paes and Usha Uthup inspired the crowd with their words and presence. A special postal cancellation commemorating the first edition of the Cyclothon was released by Mr. Ashok Kumar, Postmaster General, Kolkata.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for a cause that promotes fitness, sustainability, and community. Events like the Kolkata Cyclothon remind us that every pedal counts towards a healthier, greener future,” said Leander Paes.

“It’s absolutely fabulous to be here, and I’m so proud to share this stage with one of the best in the world, Leander Paes. Together, let’s pedal towards a brighter future,” said Usha Uthup.

“The Cyclothon has energised Kolkata’s cycling community and fitness enthusiasts, paving the way for a happier, healthier city and nation,” said Ms. Amar Jyoti, Executive Director, SAI RC Kolkata.

“The response from Kolkata has been phenomenal. Today, the City of Joy truly became a city of energy and fitness,” said Krishna Prakash, IPS, Honorary Race Director.

“The scale, energy, and enthusiasm exceeded all expectations. Delivering a festival-grade experience in the first edition sets a new benchmark for us,” said Meher Tiwari, Event Director, Loha Foundation.

“We’re deeply thankful to Coal India, Loha Foundation, Bidhannagar Police, the Municipal Commissioner, Scouts & Guides, the Startup Foundation, and every volunteer who made this morning seamless and memorable,” said Lakshman Dongari, Assistant Director, SAI RC Kolkata.

Results

70 KM Category

Female (16–34): Shital Chhetri – 2:07:11

Female (35–99): Keya Karmakar Sarkar – 2:42:24

Male (16–34): Roshan Kumar Diwakar – 1:56:29

Male (35–99): Arnab Pal – 2:09:28

50 KM Category

Female (16–34): Debapriya Guha – 2:23:47

Female (35–99): Papiya Shaw – 2:10:05

Male (14–34): Rohit Samal – 1:38:46

Male (35–99): Robert Liao – 1:41:03

25 KM Category

Female (16–34): Jasmine Kaur Anand – 1:05:26

Female (35–99): Smita Smita – 1:04:14

Male (14–34): Priyanshu Biswal – 0:49:31

Male (35–99): Rohit Bhagat – 0:52:48

পরিবেশ সচেতনায় তিলোত্তমায় প্রথম সাইকেল ম্যারাথন, অংশগ্রহণে ছোট থেকে বড়

The grand cycling event will begin at SAI Grounds near the Bypass at 3:45 a.m. and will feature around 3,500 participants. The competition has been divided into five categories—5 km, 10 km, 25 km, 50 km, and 70 km. The event will kick off with the flag-off of the 70 km race at 4:30 a.m. Participants include people of all ages and professions—school and college students, working professionals, and senior citizens—all taking part with great enthusiasm.

Lakshan Dongari, Assistant Director of SAI Kolkata, said, “Cycling isn’t just for athletes; it’s essential for everyone to stay fit. That’s why we’ve organized this Cyclothon. The response has been fantastic, and we hope to make this an annual event.”

Race Director and IPS officer Krishna Prakash stated, “Cycling is not just an exercise—it’s an important solution to many of our environmental and social problems. It helps reduce carbon footprints, eases traffic congestion, solves parking issues, and improves public health. In urban areas where cycling has declined, our goal is to bring people back to the joy of cycling.”

Rakesh Das, a participant in the 70 km race, shared, “An event like this has never happened in Kolkata before. Bringing the whole city together through cycling is a remarkable initiative. I hope more categories will be added in the future and that cycling will become even more popular here.”

Meanwhile, Kavya Gupta, who is competing in the 25 km race, said, “Such initiatives are much needed in Kolkata. Today’s generation needs to step away from screens and come out onto the field. In other countries, people take pride in using bicycles—India too needs to embrace that awareness.”

দূষণমুক্ত শহর গড়তে কলকাতায় ‘সাইক্লোথনে’র নতুন গল্প, সঙ্গে হাজার-হাজার টাকা পুরস্কার

Organized by the Loha Foundation, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Fit India Movement, and sponsored by Coal India, this one-day cycling festival will take place on Sunday, November 9, starting at 3:45 a.m.. More than 3,000 participants—including cycling enthusiasts, families, students, professionals, and senior citizens—are expected to take part.

With the motto “Ride for Change, Ride for Kolkata,” the event aims not only to host a race but also to inspire citizens towards fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and environmentally friendly transportation. Cyclists will ride past some of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks, transforming the city into a vibrant cycling carnival for a day.

There will be three main competitive ride categories—70 km, 50 km, and 25 km—along with two fun categories: a 10 km Fun Ride and a 5 km Fun Run (for non-cyclists). The total prize money announced amounts to ₹5.5 lakhs.

Prize Details:

70 km event: Winner ₹30,000 | Runner-up ₹20,000 | 2nd Runner-up ₹15,000

50 km event: Winner ₹20,000 | Runner-up ₹15,000 | 2nd Runner-up ₹10,000

25 km event: Winner ₹15,000 | Runner-up ₹10,000 | 2nd Runner-up ₹5,000

Cash prizes for the fun categories are also being considered. Additionally, participants will have a chance to win special hampers through a lucky draw.

For safety, helmets, lights, and reflectors will be mandatory. Along the route, there will be medical and technical support teams, hydration stations, and post-ride refreshments.

To ensure smooth traffic management and participant safety, both Kolkata and Bidhannagar Police will provide full support. DCP Kuldeep Sonewane stated, “We’ll ensure complete assistance to maintain traffic management and participant safety.”

The prestigious event’s Race Director will be IPS Officer Krishna Prakash from the Maharashtra Police—India’s first uniformed officer to complete the Ironman Triathlon. He remarked, “Cycling is a part of our lives—we learn to ride soon after we learn to walk. As Sachin Tendulkar once said, India is a sports-loving country, not yet a sports-playing one. That’s the mindset we want to change.”

Amar Jyoti, Regional Director of SAI, added, “A healthy person builds a healthy society. Kolkata Cyclothon carries that message forward. Let’s ride for fitness, for fun, and for our city.”