Asian Track c’ships: Indian junior cyclists open with a bang

New Delhi, February 21

Indian cyclists made a bright beginning to the Asian Track Cycling Championships as the women’s junior team clinched gold in the sprint event here today.

In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, the Indian side comprising Sarita Kumari, Niya Sebastian and Zaina Pirkhan beat the South Korean team and secured gold in 53.383 seconds.

“It is like a dream for us to beat the strongest team of Asia. We did it with our team work,” said Niya.

India’s good run on the day extended as they grabbed two silver medals. The first silver came in the para-team sprint event as Arshad Shaikh, Jalaluddin Ansari and Basavaraj Horaddi finished second in 1:02.661.

The home side added another silver to their kitty through the trio of Narayan Mahto, Syed Khalid Baghi and Mayanglambam Meitei in the men’s junior team sprint event. They clocked 47.93 to edge out their South Korean competitors.

Harshita Jakhar, Suhani Kumari, Dhanyadha JP and Bhumika secured a bronze in the women’s junior team pursuit event.