Indian Junior Women’s Team defeats powerhouse South Korea at Asian Track Cycling Championships

The Asian Track Cycling Championships have begun – and the Indian Women’s Junior Cycling Team have started the tournament on a positive note, defeating South Korea to win Gold in the team sprint event.

THE INDIAN WOMEN ACHIEVED A REMARKABLE TIMING OF 53.383s IN THE TEAM SPRINT DISCIPLINE OF CYCLING

Sarita Kumari, Niya Sebastian, Zaina Mohammed Ali Pirkhan and Sabina Kumari were the members of the team who defeated favourites South Korea to clinch a historic cycling gold. With an impressive timing of 53.383s and a hard-earned gold, they are expectedly euphoric about their achievements.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Sarita mentioned that it was remarkable for them to defeat the strongest track cycling side in Asia, and it sure helped to earn the victory in the comfort of a home atmosphere.

“It is like a dream-come-true for us to beat the strongest team of Asia at home. We could do it because of our team work and support of our coaches,” she said.

“We finished sixth last year and we worked very hard in these 12 months. We have worked on our speed, strength and conditioning. We were confident of winning a medal here but to win a gold is very special for all of us. This was a big opportunity as the championships was happening at home and therefore we wanted to give our best,” she added.

THE MEN, HOWEVER, HAD TO STAY CONTENT WITH THE SILVER

While the junior women’s team were able to defeat the South Koreans for the victory, their male counterparts had to stay content with the silver medal. With a timing of 47.936s, the men’s cycling team, comprising of Narayan Mahto, Syed Khalid Baghi, and Mayanglambam Wattaba Meitei, were defeated by South Korea.

India also won a bronze medal, with Harshita Jakhar, Suhani Kumari, Dhanyadha JP, and Bhumika, comprising the Women’s Junior Team in the team pursuit event, put on a heroic fight to overcome Chinese Taipei to clinch the third position. Eternal cycling favourites South Korea topped the event, with Kazakhstan ending up with the silver.