Indian Cyclists Fall Short at Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024

Dara Singh Chahal

27th Feb 2024: New Delhi witnessed the conclusion of the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024, where Indian cyclists faced tough competition but were unable to secure any medals. The event, which commenced on February 21 and concluded recently, served as the last opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A contingent of 22 elite Indian cyclists, including notable names like Ronaldo Singh, David Beckham, Esow Alben, and Rojit Singh, represented the country at the 43rd edition of the championships. Despite high hopes and rigorous training, Indian cyclists could not replicate their success from the 2022 edition held in the same city, where they clinched nine medals – one silver and eight bronze – marking their best-ever performance at the continental meet.

Meenakshi, participating in the women’s pursuit event, showcased exceptional skill and determination by clocking a national record time of 3:42.515 in the qualifying round. Although she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth with a timing of 1:18.154, her performance underscored India’s potential in the cycling arena.

Ronaldo Singh, a silver medalist at the 2023 championships, faced tough competition this year, finishing fifth in the 1km individual time trial with a timing of 1:02.617. Despite his commendable efforts, he fell short of securing a podium finish. Similarly, David Beckham, a key member of the bronze medal-winning Indian men’s sprint team in 2022, exited the competition in the round of 16.

The championships, hosting around 500 riders from 18 nations, also featured junior and para track cycling categories. While the elite cyclists may have faced setbacks, India’s junior and para teams showcased remarkable performances, clinching a total of 18 medals – nine gold, six silver, and three bronze. Notably, para-cyclists secured eight gold medals and four silvers, highlighting their outstanding prowess on the track.

In a notable achievement, India’s Harshita Jakhar clinched the bronze medal in the women’s junior madison category on the final day of the event. Jakhar’s impressive performance adds to her silver medal in the individual pursuit and bronze medal in the team pursuit earlier in the competition.

Despite the elite team’s challenges, India’s junior and para-cycling contingents have demonstrated exceptional talent and promise, reflecting the nation’s growing stature in the sport.