World Bicycle Day celebrated in KP

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Cycling Federation in collaboration with Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) celebrated World Bicycle Day on Wednesday.

A cake-cutting ceremony at Qayyum Sports Complex was held in this regard. Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Asfandyar Khan Khattak graced the occasion as chief guest.

President Pakistan Cycling Federation Syed Azhar Ali Shah, Deputy Director Sports Aziz Ullah Jan, Secretary-General PCF Nisar Ahmad, cyclists and enthusiasts were also present, following the SOPs for social distancing, use of masks and gloves.

On this occasion, DG Sports Asfandyar Khan Khattak said Pakistan Cycling Federation is a vibrant as far as activities of cycling in the country and giving a message of goodwill to the entire world that Pakistan is peace and sports-loving country of the world.

He said all the sports activities shattered down due to the pandemic and by holding of World Bicycle Day is sign of relief for the entire sports circle, he added.

The Day was celebrated globally by Union Cycling International (UCI) on June 3 every year and Pakistan as a key unit celebrated this day by holding different events across Pakistan including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Before the start of the cycling event, all the cyclists observed a minute silence to pay homage to all those who lost their lives due to coronavirus  including Ex-President Afghanistan Cycling Federation Ustad Sadiq Sadiqi, who died on Tuesday, last in Kabul due to COVID-19.

Sadiq Sadiqi was the pioneer of cycling in Afghanistan had played very good role in the promotion of cycling in Afghanistan.

A former ‘Tour de Pakistan’ position holder Cyclist Syed Azhar Ali Shah said that despite coronavirus pandemic, it was decided to observe the World Bicycle Day. He also thanked Director General Sports Asfandyar Khan Khattak for gracing the occasion as a guest.

In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day.

The resolution for World Bicycle Day recognises, “The uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the Bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport.”