Indians look to get back on track

New Delhi, February 19

Around 500 participants, including 42 Indians and a few Olympics and World Championships medallists, will vie for top honours in the Asian Track Cycling Championships, which will be held here from February 21 to 26. India will be hosting the continental championships for the sixth time, after 1989, 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2022.

Pakistan cyclists will miss the championships as they are “facing difficulties in getting travel documents because of the delay in government formation after the general elections in their country”, said Asian Cycling Confederation secretary general Onkar Singh.

This edition of the championships holds added significance as it serves as the final continental track event before the Paris Olympics. The points collected by the riders from the championships will be counted for the Olympics qualification process.

No Indian, however, is within striking distance of making it to the Paris Olympics. “Our cyclists need top class competitions. We are confident that the event will provide an exciting platform for the athletes to compete at the highest level. Our target is for our cyclists to qualify for the 2028 Olympics,” said Cycling Federation of India secretary general Maninder Pal Singh.

The Indian squad, led by the sprint team comprising former junior world No. 1 Ronaldo Singh, David Beckham, Rojit Singh and Esow Alben, will fancy podium finishes.

Olympics and World Championships medallist Kevin Sireau was recently appointed as the sprint coach. “I have been in charge of the team for six weeks only. I feel we can do well,” the Frenchman said. “Moreover, this event will give me a chance the assess the strength of the team and chalk out future plans,” he added.