Baramulla, Nov 24 : The Jhelum Women’s Cycling Rally was flagged off from Shaukat Ali Stadium, Baramulla on November 24, 2024.
This fourth edition of the annual event was organized by the Dagger Division in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Tourism and the District Administration of Baramulla. It was marked by enthusiastic participation from women across Jammu & Kashmir.
The cycling rally featured a total of 105 women cyclists, competing in three age categories, as they cycled their way from Baramulla to Kaman Aman Setu, Uri, navigating the arduous terrain of Jammu & Kashmir. This year’s overall theme for the rally was “Drug-Free Kashmir.”
“We practiced for almost a month. Now we feel all the effort was worth it. This is a great achievement, and we are proud to be part of this spectacular event,” said one of the young participants.
The District Administration of Baramulla, along with J&K Tourism, ensured the smooth execution of the event. Senior officials from the J&K Sports Department, Police, and NGOs were also present at this exhilarating event, encouraging the participants.
The Chief Guest was Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division. Baramulla Brigade Commander Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, PhD, along with other civil and military dignitaries, also attended the occasion.
The event provided an exceptional riding experience for the young women cyclists, who weaved through the picturesque landscapes of Baramulla District. Set against the backdrop of the Jhelum Valley, with its lush greenery and meandering river, the expedition offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with nature while testing their endurance. The cool, crisp air and vibrant local culture added to the charm of the rally, transforming it into a journey through one of India’s historic routes that once connected Srinagar to Muzaffarabad. Cyclists were invigorated by stunning vistas and historic monuments along the way, making this Cycle Rally a memorable event for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers alike.
A cultural show at the finish point, held at Kaman Aman Setu—the historic trade route between India and Pakistan—featured passionate performances by the “Strings of Baramulla” band from the Chinar YUVA Centre. This was followed by a scintillating instrumental performance, Bhangra, and traditional Rouf dance performances.
The audience was thrilled to see the popular RJs of Radio Baramulla take center stage as the Masters of Ceremonies. “It was a high-energy program, and despite cycling almost 70 kilometers, the young women were refreshed with high adrenaline,” said RJ Harleen.
Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division, praised all participants for their unparalleled enthusiasm, zeal, and perseverance, and commended the parents for encouraging their daughters to pursue such initiatives. The event symbolizes a close integration between the Indian Army and the local community, highlighting its efforts to promote gender equality in sports and adventure, women empowerment, border tourism, and the continuation of cultural practices and values, all while guarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace in the region. He expressed his satisfaction with the chosen theme of “Drug-Free Kashmir,” emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to combat this threat.
Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, Baramulla Brigade Commander, thanked the district administration and police for their cooperation in conducting an incident-free event over the 70-kilometer route. A government official remarked, “The interaction and coordination between civil authorities and the army in Baramulla is very strong.”
The success of the “Jhelum Women’s Cycle Rally” has set a benchmark for future sports events in the region, uniting the youth of Kashmir in a display of exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and patriotism.
