Adventure sports got a boost in Jammu and Kashmir with about 45 children participating in the Mountain Terrain Cycling event in Srinagar, amidst cheer and applause from the crowd.
The Mountain Terrain Cycling event was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Cycling Association.
The organisers said that the event has received a tremendous response from the beginning, but only few adolescents were allowed to take part in the event as the racetrack passed through tough and dangerous terrain of Zabarwan mountain.
But this time the participants were given proper training before the commencement of the race. The organisers described the championship as highly successful.
"It is difficult to do cycling in the mountains. Initially the participating children were scared. But we offered them a proper training. And then they participated in the race," said Khursheed Bhat, a cyclist.
The race aims at encouraging adventure sports among children in the Valley.
"Many children participated in the age group of 14, 16 and 17. The aim was to show how they could go for cycling in mountains alone. In this special type of cycle is used," said Jammu and Kashmir Cycling Association Joint Secretary Riyaz Ahmad Wani.
The event was originally planned for two days, but due to the sighting of a bear in the nearby residential area, the organisers cut short the route and also cancelled the last day of the race.
Contestant were also selected for the 7th MTB (Mountain Terrain Biking) national event scheduled to be held in Pondicherry (dates to be announced), and also for 12th Road Cycling National Championship scheduled to be held from December 27 to 31 in Chennai.
In recent times, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing many sports events. The State administration is making wholehearted effort to promote tourism in the picturesque Valley through water and adventure sports. (ANI)