Over 100 young women, girls rode their way from Baramulla to Kaman Aman Setu, Uri (LOC)
BARAMULLA: The Jhelum Women’s Cycling Rally was flagged off from Shaukat Ali Stadium, Baramulla, on 24th Nov 2024. The fourth edition of this annual event was organized by the Dagger Division in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Tourism and the District Administration, Baramulla, and was marked by enthusiastic participation from women of Jammu & Kashmir. A total of 105 women cyclists took part in the rally across three age categories and cycled all the way from Baramulla to Kaman Aman Setu, Uri, covering a distance of 67 km through the arduous terrain of Jammu & Kashmir. The overall theme for this year’s rally was “Drug-Free Kashmir.”
“We have been practicing for almost a month. Now, we feel all the effort was worth it. This is a great achievement, and we are proud to be part of this spectacular event,” said one of the young participants.
The District Administration, Baramulla, along with J&K Tourism, ensured the smooth execution of the event. Senior officials from the J&K Sports Department, Police, and NGOs were also present at the exhilarating event and encouraged the participants.
The Chief Guest was Maj Gen Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division, and Baramulla Brigade Commander Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, PhD, along with other civil and military dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
The event offered an exceptional riding experience to the young women cyclists, weaving through the picturesque landscapes of Baramulla District. Set against the backdrop of the Jhelum Valley, lush greenery, and the meandering Jhelum River, the expedition provided participants with a unique opportunity to connect with nature while testing their endurance. The cool, crisp air and vibrant local culture added to the charm, making it not just a rally but a journey through one of India’s historic ancient routes that once connected Srinagar to Muzaffarabad. Cyclists were invigorated by stunning vistas and historic monuments en route, making this cycle rally a memorable event for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers alike.
The cultural show at the finish point, held at Kaman Aman Setu—the historic trade route between India and Pakistan—witnessed a passionate performance by the “Strings of Baramulla” band of the Chinar YUVA Centre. This was followed by a scintillating instrumental performance, Bhangra, and traditional Rouf Dance performance.
The audience was thrilled to see the popular RJs of Radio Baramulla take center stage as the Masters of Ceremony. “It was a high-energy program, and despite cycling almost 70 kilometers, the young women were refreshed with high adrenaline,” said RJ Harleen.
Maj Gen Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division, lauded all the participants for their unparalleled enthusiasm, zeal, and perseverance and praised the parents for giving their girls a chance to spread their wings. The event symbolized the close integration of the Indian Army with the locals and underlined its efforts toward promoting gender equality in sports and adventure, women empowerment, border tourism, and the continuation of cultural practices and values, while also guarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace in the hinterland. He was glad that the theme for this event was chosen as “Drug-Free Kashmir,” which is a threat we must stop together.
Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, Baramulla Brigade Commander, thanked the district administration and police for their cooperation in conducting an incident-free event over 70 km. A government official said, “The interaction and coordination between civil authorities and the army in Baramulla is very high.”
The success of the “Jhelum Women’s Cycle Rally” has set a benchmark for future sports events in the region, uniting the youth of Kashmir in a display of exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and patriotism.