Srinagar, Sep. 18: The Asmita Khelo India Women’s MTB Cycling League 2026 began at Shalimar in the foothills of the Zabarwan range here on Friday, with a large number of women cyclists from across Jammu and Kashmir, including Jammu province, taking part in the competition.

The two-day event, which began today, will conclude on September 19.
Organised by the J&K Cycling Association under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, the league is being held under the Khelo India Programme of the Sports Authority of India.
The event witnessed a festive atmosphere as women riders competed in MTB events for honours in the Asmita Women’s League.
SSP Traffic City Srinagar Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IPS, was the chief guest and inaugurated the event. He appreciated the participation of women cyclists and called for the development of dedicated MTB tracks in the Zabarwan foothills.
“It is great to see such events being held. They develop a sense of adventure and endurance among our youth. There is a need to develop dedicated MTB tracks in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range for such activities in the city,” Bhat said.
He said Srinagar has a decent cycling community and expressed hope that more facilities would be created for cyclists in the future.
Among those present were J&K Cycling Association Vice President Mushtaq Ahmad, General Secretary Om Prakash, Chief Coordinator SS Gill, CEO Ravi Salgotra, Treasurer Tajinder Singh and Joint Secretary Akber Khan.
The league is aimed at providing women cyclists with a competitive platform and promoting greater participation of women in cycling and endurance sports under the Khelo India initiative.