Syed Azam Shah
ABBOTTABAD
Khyber Pakhtunkwa clinched all three positions in All Pakistan Azadi Cycling Race held in Abbottabad on Saturday. The mega event was organized under the supervision of KPK Cycling Association in collaboration with Galyat Developmental Authority (GDA). As per the schedule, race started at 9:00 am from the BISE office Abbottabad and ended at Mochidhara, a locality of scenic Nathiagali.
According to results, seventeen-year old Yusuf who belongs to Peshawar, got first position by covering a distance of 35 kilometers in one hour and 34 minutes. Meanwhile, Sajid of KPK stood second by taking an hour, 37 minutes and 6 seconds to reach the end point. Similarly, Umar Farooq of the same province got third position. He took an hour, 37 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the distance.
A total of 33 cyclists from across Pakistan took part in the race that was organized to mark the 7th Independence day.
The closing ceremony was held at Hotel Elites of Nathiagali which was attended by a large number of school children and sportsmen including the Provincial Minister for Labour and Culture Shaukat Ali Yousafzai, President Pakistan Cycling Federation Syed Azhar Ali Shah, Director Galyat Development Authority Raza Habib and former Director General Sports KPK Tariq Mehmood.
In his address, Provincial Minister Shaukat Yousafzai called for an end to politics in sports organizations, saying it would create various opportunities for the talented youth. He appreciated GDA for initiating winter tourism in Galyat. Mr. Yousafzai assured Cycling Federation of patronizing such events, adding that promotion of sports and tourism was a top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Director GDA Raza Habib, in his address, thanked Cycling Federation and local originations for making the event a success. He pledged to continue his efforts for boosting the regional tourism.
While addressing the ceremony, President Pakistan Cycling Federation Syed Azhar Ali Shah appealed to the Government to increase the annual budget for Cycling. He said the winner of Azadi Cycling Race would be given an opportunity to participate in the world Cycling Championship.
The event ended with distribution of shields, certificates and cash prizes among players and officials.
