4 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Four young cyclists from Punjab have brought pride to the state by winning a gold medal and breaking a seven-year-old national record at the National Track Cycling Championship in Ranchi. The achievement has special significance for Amritsar, as two members of the record-breaking team, Japneet Kaur and Palakpreet Kaur, belong to the city.
Punjab’s sub-junior girls’ quartet clocked an impressive 1 minute and 16 seconds in the team sprint event at the 78th Senior, 55th Junior and 41st Sub-Junior National Track Cycling Championship. Their performance not only secured the gold medal but also erased a national record that had stood for seven years.
The winning team comprised Preeti Shah from Ludhiana, Guntaas Sandhu from Patiala, and Japneet Kaur and Palakpreet Kaur from Amritsar. Their coordinated effort and speed helped Punjab make its mark at the national-level competition.
Amritsar girls add to Punjab’s sporting pride
The success has sparked celebrations among the sporting community in Amritsar, particularly because two of the four medal-winning cyclists hail from the city.
Japneet Kaur is the daughter of Jagdeep Singh and Sukhjinder Kaur, while Palakpreet Kaur is the daughter of Baljinder Singh and Harpreet Kaur. Their achievement has brought recognition to their families and highlighted the growing participation of young girls from Punjab in competitive cycling.
The other two members of the quartet also played a crucial role in the record-breaking performance. Preeti Shah represents Ludhiana, while Guntaas Sandhu belongs to Patiala, making the victory a collective achievement for cyclists from three Punjab districts.
Team training camp in Ludhiana helped prepare cyclists
Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, general secretary of the Cycling Association of Punjab, said a special training camp had been organised in Ludhiana ahead of the championship.
During the camp, the cyclists underwent intensive preparation under the supervision of experienced coaches. Their training focused on speed, endurance, coordination and race execution, all of which are crucial in a team sprint event.
Kahlon attributed the victory to the athletes’ hard work, consistent practice and teamwork. He said breaking a national record that had remained intact for seven years was a significant achievement for Punjab cycling.
Coaches and parents acknowledged for their support
The association appreciated the contribution of the coaching team that prepared the cyclists for the national competition. Chief coach Satwinder Singh, coaches Bhupinder Kumar and Ikwinder Singh, and women’s coach Harpreet Kaur were recognised for their guidance and efforts.
The cyclists also thanked the Cycling Association of Punjab for supporting their preparation and encouraging them throughout the competition. They acknowledged the role of their coaches and parents, saying their guidance and continued support had contributed to the achievement.
The association’s president, Charanjit Singh Dhaliwal, congratulated the four cyclists and described the gold-medal victory and national record as a landmark moment for Punjab cycling. He said the performance could encourage more young girls to take up sports and compete at the national level.
A landmark moment for Punjab cycling
The record-breaking performance has brought attention to the potential of young cyclists from Punjab. The achievement also reflects the importance of structured training, coaching support and opportunities for athletes to participate in national competitions.
Association office-bearers and members of the cycling fraternity congratulated the cyclists, their parents and coaches. Among those extending their wishes were senior association officials, representatives of the Cycling Federation of India, former Punjab Cabinet Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra and Olympian Gurjit Kaur.
With four young athletes delivering a record-breaking performance in Ranchi, Punjab’s sub-junior girls have created a memorable moment for the state’s sporting community. Their gold medal and new national record are expected to inspire other young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue cycling and aim for success at higher levels.