Cyclist Chauhan honoured with State Award

On Independence Day, the Punjab Government honoured International Cyclist Balraj Singh Chauhan, Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission Hoshiarpur, at a state-level function held in Faridkot for his exceptional achievements in cycling both in India and abroad.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann presented Chauhan with the State Award, a Medal, and a Loi in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.

During the ceremony, Chauhan’s achievements were highlighted, noting that he has brought immense pride to Punjab by participating in cycling events globally. So far, Chauhan has cycled over 1,89,000 kilometres, becoming an inspirational figure for the youth. His passion for cycling has inspired hundreds of young people to take up the sport.

Chauhan expressed his gratitude towards the Punjab Government, stating, “It is a matter of great pride that I have been deemed worthy of this honour. This is an honour for cycling itself. For the first time, a cyclist has been awarded a state honour. This recognition has given me renewed strength and motivation to work even harder.”

Chauhan is the first Punjabi cyclist to win a medal in the prestigious London-Edinburgh-London 1540 km event in England, an achievement he accomplished twice, first in 2022 and now again in 2025. In addition, he has participated in other international events like the Paris-Brest-Paris 1220 km race and the Delhi to Kathmandu 1020 km event. His cycling feats also include major national rides such as Delhi to Mumbai (1460 km), Delhi to Kolkata (1480 km), Delhi to Jammu-Dalhousie-Amritsar-Delhi (1480 km), and a 1000 km Punjab Yatra.

Furthermore, Chauhan is qualified for the Race across America, a gruelling 5000+ km event. He has won the title of Super Randonneur 12 times, an honour awarded for completing 200, 300, 400 and 600 km BRM events in a single year. Chauhan has also been recognised by various universities, schools, sports clubs, and social organisations.

Influenced by Chauhan’s commitment, hundreds of children, youth, and citizens have taken up cycling. Every day, Chauhan cycles 80-100 km across various cities and towns, promoting messages of cleanliness, environmental conservation, anti-plastic awareness, blood donation, and the fight against drug abuse under the Swachh Bharat Mission.