Afghan cycling contingent arrives in Lahore

Foreigners to take part in Sahiwal International Road Race

KARACHI: An 11-member cycling team from Afghanistan arrived in Lahore on Saturday to participate in the Sahiwal International Cycling Road Race, which is being organised by the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) and scheduled to take place on Wednesday from Lahore to Sahiwal.

The team is accompanied by Afghanistan Cycling Federation President Agha Saddiq, who is also the chef-de-mission. “We’re pleased to come here to participate in the road race,” Saddiq told The Express Tribune. “We’ve practiced a lot for it and I’m confident that our initiative will also strengthen the relations between the two countries.”

He added that his federation will also invite Pakistan to enter road races in Afghanistan in the near future.

Meanwhile, PCF President Idris Khawaja said that he is expecting a tough competition as all the local cyclists are in good shape.

“All of the regional teams will also participate in the race; this way, the PCF will be able to shortlist talented cyclists for future international events,” said Khawaja.

The race will start from the Punjab Stadium in Lahore, where chief guest MNA Sheikh Rohil Asghar will wave the chequered flag to signal the go-ahead.

Meanwhile, commissioner Sheikh Muhammad Saddique, along with PCF Chairman Nouraiz Khan, will be the chief guests in Sahiwal and will give away cash prizes to the first six position holders.

 

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