The tenth edition of the National Road Cycling Championship will be held in Karachi from October 9 to 11, bringing together cyclists from across Pakistan to compete in men’s, women’s, junior, para-cycling and masters categories.
Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) said on Wednesday that the championship will begin at 9am on Friday at Bahria Town Karachi, with events continuing over three days. The closing ceremony and prize distribution will take place at 4 pm on October 11.
Cyclists representing Army, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad will take part, along with riders from other institutions and cycling teams.
Kareng Aidak and the Pakistan Cycling Academy are among the other teams which will feature in the event.
The PCF has also introduced an Open Masters category, giving cyclists from Karachi and other parts of the country an opportunity to compete at the national level.
Para-cycling has been included in the championship to provide cyclists with disabilities an opportunity to compete nationally and showcase their abilities.
The federation said accommodation and other arrangements had been made at Bahria Town Karachi for cyclists and officials travelling from different parts of the country.
PCF president Syed Azhar Ali Shah said national-level sporting competitions were important for engaging young people in positive activities and promoting cycling in Pakistan.
“In the present circumstances, continuing sporting activities and providing young athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities at the national level is the need of the hour,” Shah said.
He also appealed to media organisations across the country to provide comprehensive coverage of the championship, saying media support would help promote sport, encourage cyclists and highlight the achievements of Pakistani athletes.
