We are aiming for medals in Asia: CFI president

Greater Noida - India is not being a major competitor in the sport, but Cycling Federation of India (CFI) president Parminder Singh Dhindsa is optimistic about the country’s chances in the future.

“I won’t go in promising the moon but we are first focusing on Asian medals. It has been a long time since we got an Asian medal so it is time we should get some,” Dhindsa told IANS here Sunday when asked about India’s chances at the Olympics.

“We have a lot of Asian countries doing well in the international area like Malaysia, China, and Kazakhstan. It is high time we also start doing well. But we lag behind when it comes to the technique despite having the talent.”

“Like last year we sent three of our boys to Japan to learn new techniques. They got to know that what they were doing was quite wrong. For example, where exactly should they put force while pedalling and what position should they sit in,” he noted.

“So, we are investing more and for the last one year the sports ministry is also taking interest in cycling and taking it as a serious sport which did not happen earlier,” added Dhindsa, who was elected the CFI head last year in June.

With the 2013 Asian Cycling Championships awarded to India by the International Cycling Union (UCI), Delhi and Noida are set to host a series of races.

“The Asian Championships is a big event. The road races will be held here at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) while the track races at the Velodrome in Delhi,” added Dhindsa.

“Later in the year, we will also prepare for the Tour de India, cyclothons and more mountain biking championships. Mountain biking has seen an upward trend, especially among the youngsters. So we have a basketful of events happening in the new year.”