Alexi Grewal says they can shine in cycling at the international level if they get better training

Mahesh Sharma

Kila raipur, February 4

Alexi Singh Grewal, American Olympic Gold Medallist and former professional road racing cyclist, has called upon the Punjabi youth to adopt pedaling as an element of lifestyle.

The tendency, besides conserving the environment and improving health of enthusiasts, will also strengthen their economic position by saving expenses on traditional modes of transportation, said Grewal.

Grewal, born in Aspen, Colorado, US, who had recently married a Punjabi Girl Manjit Kaur from Jabalpur, was interacting with a section of media on the conclusion of second day of Kilaraipur Rural Sports on Saturday.

Appreciating the fitness and dexterity of the youth of the border state, Alex Grewal expressed the Punjabis could shine in cycling at the international level, in case the policy makers provide them with better institutionalised training.

However, the couple was disappointed to find the bullock cart race and equine sports missing from the Grewal Stadium due to restrictions by the administration. “Though I am glad that we came to watch North Indian men and women of all age groups in action, we were disappointed to observe that the event was slightly different from what I heard five years ago,” said Grewal, adding “Mr Modi (Prime Minister of India) should make sure that animals are allowed to participate in the event in the future.” At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Grewal became the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal in road cycling.