Srinagar Cycle Race Promotes Fitness and Drug-Free Youth

A large cycling event in Srinagar has drawn attention to the role sport can play in building fitness and keeping young people away from drugs. The 'Pedal Through Paradise Cycle Race 2026', organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, began at Dal Lake and ran along the route to Harwan on October 29.

Additional Director General of Police (Armed) Nitesh Kumar flagged off the race. Around 3,000 cyclists joined the event, which was aimed at promoting sports, fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

The race attracted participants from many professions and walks of life. Umar Hassan, who took part, said the event brought together people of all ages, from young children to older riders, and that everyone was excited to be there. Umar, who cycles regularly, said he wanted to increase his stamina and possibly pursue cycling as a career. He stressed that physical activity or any sport is a good thing because it keeps people focused and away from other distractions. He said he and others had set their work and busy routines aside in the last day or two to prepare for the event.

Sahid Rahi, a member of the 'Pedal Pusher' group, said the whole group had come to participate. He called for races like this to be held regularly in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they could offer real support to those struggling with depression, stress or drug use. He believed that taking part in such an event could completely change the mindset of people facing these problems.

Mohammad Rafan said he joined to build his stamina and stay away from drugs. He appealed to the government to keep organising such races without interruption.

Zulfiqar Ali said races of this type give young people an excellent platform to show their physical strength. He believed they could shape the thinking of small children, who might see the police and government backing the race and conclude that it must be special. Such children, he said, may come to consider careers in cycling competitions or other fields in the future.

Women also played a prominent role. Isha Bashir told young people that if women could take part in such races, then the youth of Jammu and Kashmir could too, and asked why they were trapped in drug addiction. She urged them to join similar events, saying that doing so would help them move away from intoxication on their own. She described sport as a beautiful thing that can become a positive addiction. Isha said that if races like this continue to be held, young people will be better protected from drugs and other harmful influences.