Srinagar (Jammu) [India], July 3: On June 27, a cycling race called Cycle Strike was held in Gulmarg to encourage Kashmiri youth to participate in sports and, in particular, to steer away from drug addiction.

“This is the first race of its sort up to the tourist attraction Gulmarg at an altitude of 8,700 feet above sea level,” organiser Syed Ali Asghar Rizvi stated in a press release.

“Forty-three cyclists took part in the 30-kilometer race, including national and international cyclists. The race started at Magam. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the young cyclists. The physical fitness training of these cyclists was given by the famous fitness expert Imtiyaz Darne. To keep the young generation away from wrong deeds such steps are being taken,” he added.

By travelling a distance of 30 kilometres from Magam to Gulmarg, Muhammad Akbar Khan, Waheed Ahmed, and Monis Ahmed took first, second, and third place, respectively. The teenage cyclists were ecstatic to have taken the lead positions.

The awardees were presented with awards by Deputy Commissioner Gulmarg Bhupinder Kumar. He acknowledged his delight at the race’s organisation and stated that Kashmir’s kids have a lot of potential.