Arsalan Ahmad Dar from Budgam delivered an outstanding performance by securing 4th place in the 20 km Individual Time Trial (Under-14 Boys) at the 30th National Road Cycling Championship held in Sambalpur, Odisha, from 2nd to 6th December 2025.

The event was organised by the Cycling Federation of India, and the J&K team was sponsored by the J&K State Sports Council. Team selection was carried out by the Cycling Association of J&K.
It was an exceptionally close race, with Arsalan narrowly missing the podium by a very small margin behind the top three riders.
Coach Riyaz Wani praised Arsalan’s performance, saying:
“It was a very close and tough finish. Arsalan gave his best throughout the race.”
Arsalan trains daily at the Khelo India Cycling Centre, Narbal, under the supervision of Coach Akber Khan. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“I have been practicing regularly for the last three years at the centre. My coaches have supported me throughout.”
Earlier this year, Arsalan won a silver medal in the 80 km Mass Start Race at the Khelo India Youth Games held in Patna, Bihar, in May 2025.
Looking ahead, the budding cyclist is determined to continue his medal-winning journey.
“My target is to win more national medals in the upcoming National Championships and the School Games Nationals at Ranchi in January 2026,” he said.
Arsalan expressed gratitude to all those who have supported him:
“I am very thankful to all my supporters who always stand by me during racing events—my parents, Mr. Om Prakash Sharma (Secretary, Cycling Association of J&K), Waheed Ahmad (National Medalist), Akber Khan (Coach & National Medalist), and Mohmiss Ismail (National Medalist).”