‘Trainee selection of academy to be delayed’ Says Tapan Das

National cycling postponed

Our sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Cycling may not be first choice game in Assam till date but the secretary of the Assam Cycling Association Tapan Das feels the game has a bright future in the State. The reason behind this assessment is: the young generation is showing great skill and performance in different national level meets. On the other hand a cycling academy would be launched at LNIPE complex shortly.

In the recent past cyclists of the State shone in the different national level meets. Assam emerged champion in the sub junior category of Track National meet two years ago. In the recently concluded Khelo India Games in Guwahati the State cyclists contributed seven medals in the medal-tally.

Talking to The Sentinel Das today said: “Cyclists of the State have brought great hopes for us. We are really optimistic and expect good show from them in the coming days.”

Commenting on the proposed cycling academy Das said: “It will be set up at the LNIPE complex, Sonapur with joint collaboration of Cycling Federation of India, Cycling Association of Assam and SAI. Cycling Association of Assam will be the nodal agency of this academy. Nearly 50 cyclists, both boys and girls, from the different parts of the North East would be selected and trained in this academy. The process of selection already started and after preliminary trials 58 boys and 23 girls is identified for the final round of selection. Due to present situation for COVID-19 pandemic the final selection would be delayed and once it is done the academy will start functioning.”

Meanwhile Das also informed that National Cycling Championship - 72nd senior, 49th junior and 35th Sub Junior- which was supposed to begin from today in the city are postponed for indefinite period due to COVID-19 pandemic. The fresh date of the competition will be announced later.

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