SSGC’s riders made a clean sweep by clinching all top six positions of National Defence and Air Force Day Cycle Race from Karachi to Hyderabad that was held today i.e on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
SSGC’s star cyclist Wazir won the Elite leg of the race after covering the total distance of 146 kms in 03 hours 05 minutes and 03 seconds.
He was followed by his SSGC team mates Farman Muhammad (2nd position) 03:05:03, Waleed (3rd position) 03:05:04, Shan (4th position) 03:05:05, Abdul Razzaq (5th position) 03:05:06 and Nisar Ali (6th position) 03:05:07. A total of 55 riders competed in the Elites category.
Further, the professional cyclists who competed in the Elites category, the race, were also contested by15 amateur men cyclists in addition to an open cycle race in an elite women category that was contested by 5 females.
The amateur leg was won by Kashif Bashir from district Malir who completed the distance in 04 hours 24 minutes and 35 seconds. The rest 13 amateur cyclists could not finish in time.
SSGC’s also dominated the shorter version of women race (20 kms) by grabbing all top three positions.
Rabia Gharib clinched the first position by finishing at 24 minutes 10 minutes and 15 seconds. She was followed by SSGC’s Kanza Malik 25:15:35 with SSSGC’s Sumaira finishing in 25:30:19.
SSGC hosted this national event under the aegis of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF).
The cyclists who participated in the Elites category represented all affiliated units of PCF, including SSGC A and B, Sindh A and B, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan.
This mega event cycle race was organized to demonstrate the greater spirit of solidarity with our armed forces and to pay rich tributes to our beloved martyrs. It started off from SSGC’s head office and concluded at Jhirik near Hyderabad-Jamshoro link road.
SSGC’s Managing Director Mr. Imran Maniar was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony who, in his short address, stressed the cyclists for maintaining the sportsman spirit and extended his good wishes to them.
He then lowered the flag to officially start the race. Amongst other notables, he was joined by PCF’s President, Syed Azhar Ali Shah, who was also Guest of Honour and other PCF officials as well as notables from the cycling fraternity.
The race was contested by top cyclists from across the country, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of cycling in the country specially after SSGC’s cyclist Ali Ilyas created history by securing two gold medals for Pakistan in recently concluded Asian Cycling Championship held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
As always, a dedicated team of PCF technical officials and commissaires conducted the race, considering all safety measures adopted by SSGC, ensuring that all rules and regulations were strictly followed in a congenial environment for a fair and competitive event.
The Guest of Honour and President PCF Mr. Azhar Ali Shah conferred medals and trophies to all winners.
Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony at a local banquet hall, the PCF President congratulated all winners and motivated those cyclists who could not finish amongst the top six.
He said that this race will not only help in promoting cycling as a sport but also provide a platform to unite cycling enthusiasts from different regions who promote camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Secretary SSGC Sports Board, Mr. Asif Ansari, performing the lead role as Chairman Organizing Committee, magnificently oversaw the entire arrangements of this race and was duly supported by Organizing Secretary of the event, Sardar Nazakat Ali.
Mr. Ansari thanked the law enforcement agencies and civic authorities of both Karachi and Hyderabad for their splendid support in ensuring the flawless arrangements. He also thanked PCF and Sindh Cycling Association officials, Sponsors and various departments of SSGC for marvelously completing their assigned tasks with zeal and fervor by working in tandem as one professional unit.
He then presented mementos as a token of appreciation to the officials of PCF and Sindh Cycling Association, sponsors, notables and heads of departments.
Both PCF and SSGC left no stone unturned to make this event a memorable one for all participants and spectators. 