Amritsar cyclist Amarjeet Singh's winning streak continues despite pandemic

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 3

City-based national cyclist Amarjeet Singh, who has won medals at the international and national level tournaments, has added three more medals to his tally. Amarjeet has won two silver and one bronze at the recently-concluded 73rd National Track Cycling Championships 2021 held at Jaipur. Amarjeet won silver in one km time trail, silver in Keirin and bronze in the team sprint. The 27-year old cyclist, who has earlier set many national records and won several gold medals at the Asian and world cycling events, said, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic for athletes, he managed to get his winning streak going.

“It was a tough two years for the international athletes, be it any sport as training schedules got disturbed and sporting events got cancelled. Despite disruption, I managed to get a podium finish,” he shared. Coming from a family of cyclists, his father and uncle too are engaged with the sport as coaches and former cyclists. Amarjeet has several records to his credit, including an individual national record on track, and has represented India at world cycling championships. He was aiming for gold at the 73rd national championship as well. “I had previously won gold at nationals, and this year too, I was aiming for gold. It is for the first time that I got a silver and not gold at nationals, but I will try better next time.” He also sustained injury in his left foot during the competition.

Among the few athletes from city to make a name in cycling, Amarjeet says that his achievements in the sport would not have been possible had GNDU not built a velodrome. “It’s the only velodrome in city and it really gave us an opportunity to hone our performance.” He is now training for Asian Championships scheduled to be held in March-April 2022. As for the encouraging cycling as a lifestyle choice, Amarjeet says that cycling must be encouraged by building cycling tracks in city. “Amritsar is not a cycling friendly city as there are no cycle tracks or even trails that cycling enthusiasts can use. Also, people need to change their mindset about cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice.”