TN Sports Minister launches regn for HCL Cyclothon to show pedal power

R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 13

Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday launched the registration for the second edition of HCL Cyclothon in Chennai. The HCL Cyclothon event is supported by the Cycling Federation of India, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing after announcing the launch of HCL Cyclothon, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of producing professional athletes in multiple sports. Our vision is to position ourselves as a global destination for sports by shoring up infrastructure and bringing world-class sporting events to the state. HCL Cyclothon is one such sporting initiative in this direction and we are happy to associate with HCL to conduct this event. This will be held on the chief minister’s weekly cycling route on ECR.”

• Govt will consider awarding incentive marks for the students coming to school in bicycle after consulting with education department; moot separate cycle track in Chennai roads; Udhayanidhi
• HCL Cyclothon will be held on October 8, 2023, in Chennai and will cater to professional cyclists, amateurs and hobbyists
• The registration link for the second edition – www.hclcyclothon.com – is open and the last date for the submission of completed forms in September 20.
• It carries a cash award of Rs 30 lakh – Rs 15 lakh for professionals and Rs 15 lakh for amateurs
• I will moot a point to provide a separate cycle track along the Chennai city roads to encourage people to use bicycles: Udhayanidhi Stalin

The minister elaborated the initiatives being undertaken by Chief Minister M K Stalin including the World –class sports city near Chennai.

Responding to a query, the minister said that he will consult the education department to award incentive marks for the students who are travelling to school in bicycles distributed on free of cost. The minister had launched distribution of free bicycles to over 4.85 lakh 11th standard students at an estimated cost of Rs 235-crore few days ago.

He also said that he will moot a point to provide a separate cycle track along the Chennai city roads to encourage people to use bicycles.

The minister also unveiled the official jersy of HCL Cyclotho along with the dignatories.

Addressing at the launch meeting, Dr Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development said the government taking various steps to make the state as the Sports Capital of India as envisioned by the visionary Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Sundar Mahalingam, President – Strategy, HCL Corporation, said, “HCL’s core brand philosophy is Human Potential Multiplied which aims at amplifying the potential of not just individuals but communities and societies at large. After the success of HCL Cyclothon in Noida earlier this year, it was a logical next step to expand this initiative to Chennai keeping in mind HCL’s deep connection to the state.”

Onkar Singh, Chairman, Cycling Federation of India and Secretary General at the Asian Cycling Federation in his video message said, “Cycle Federation of India is thrilled to be a part of HCL Cyclothon in Chennai. This event presents a remarkable platform for cyclists across the nation to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. CFI’s mission is to direct, develop, regulate and control cycling sports in all forms in the country. Through this partnership with HCL, I believe that we will be able to achieve our mission to develop cycling as a sport and promote awareness to new audiences.”

Explaining the HCL Cyclothon event, Abhishek Misra, Event Director said, “Through this initiative, HCL intends to create a platform for professional cyclists to showcase their skills and inspire a new generation of riders in India. HCL’s vision is to increase awareness and interest around cycling not just as an exciting sport but as a life skill. The Chennai edition features a prize purse of total Rs 30 lakhs which comprises Rs. 15 lakhs for professionals and Rs. 15 lakhs for amateurs’’ he added.

Race Route: The race will begin at Mayajaal Multiplex, and follow the ECR Road to Kovalam before returning. There will be multiple loops based on different categories, Misra said.

J Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) was also present.