On June 15, the beautiful city of Srinagar came alive with an exciting event full of energy and harmony. The "Cyclothon—Pedal for Peace," organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, brought together over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone joined hands on this special ride to celebrate peace, fitness, and unity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Event

The cyclothon was flagged off by Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, from the Police Golf Course and concluded at the Astro Turf Ground TRC, amid cheers, enthusiasm, and a festive atmosphere. The participants ranged from young school and college students to amateur cyclists, sports clubs, and professional athletes, all united under a common cause: pedaling for a better tomorrow.

Promoting Communal Harmony and Youth Engagement

Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma emphasized that the cyclothon was more than just a sporting event. "It is a symbolic journey towards a peaceful and united Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "It reflects the resilience and potential of our youth. Through events like this, we aim to channel their energy into constructive, nation-building activities." The event reaffirmed the belief that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are eager for positive engagement and want to be part of a peaceful and progressive journey.

A Brainchild of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

The Sports Minister revealed that organizing the cyclothon was the idea of President JK Sports Council, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who himself is an avid sports and fit person. The event symbolizes peaceful progress of Jammu and Kashmir and aims to promote communal harmony, youth engagement, and a culture of fitness across the region. The Minister announced that such community-oriented and youth-driven events will now be held weekly in various parts of the Union Territory to ensure sustained engagement and outreach.

Dignitaries and Participants

The event witnessed the presence of key public representatives and administrative officials, including Legislators Farooq Shah, Dr. Shafi, Tanveer Sadiq, Ehsan Pardesi, and Mushtaq Guru. Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, and Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, were also present. Senior officials from the Sports Council, Traffic Police, Health Services, and local administration attended the event, lending their full support to the initiative.

Empowering Young Athletes and Strengthening Community Bonds Through Sport

The "Cyclothon – Pedal for Peace" was more than just a cycling event; it was a heartfelt celebration of young talent and community unity. For young athletes like Soliha Zahoor, a rising star from Ganderbal, it was a shining moment of recognition and encouragement. Honored by respected leaders for her outstanding achievements, having proudly represented Jammu and Kashmir in four national-level cycling competitions, Soliha’s story inspires countless others to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. 

Beyond individual triumphs, this event marks the beginning of a series of exciting activities planned by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. These upcoming events, including marathons, yoga camps, sports tournaments, awareness drives, and fitness workshops, are designed to nurture a strong sense of community, promote health and wellness, and build resilience across society. Together, they aim to cultivate a lasting culture of peace, fitness, and togetherness that will uplift the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir for years to come.

Why “Pedal for Peace” and Why It Matters Now

The event was named “Cyclothon – Pedal for Peace” to capture its deeper purpose: cycling together as a symbol of harmony, unity, and hope for a peaceful future in Jammu and Kashmir. In a region that has faced challenges and conflicts, there is a powerful need to bring people from all walks of life together through positive and healthy activities. The cyclothon offers more than just exercise; it’s a way to break down barriers, build trust, and inspire a collective spirit of peace. By encouraging everyone to join in, regardless of age or background, the event emphasizes that peace is something we all pedal toward together. This meaningful name reminds participants and the community that lasting peace begins with connection, understanding, and shared efforts, making it the perfect way to unite and heal through sport.

 As the J&K Sports Council continues to organize community-oriented and youth-driven events, the future looks bright for the region's youth, filled with opportunities for growth, engagement, and positive change.