In a powerful show of community spirit and fitness resolve, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday organized the annual Pedal for Peace cycle race, drawing over 3,000 participants from across the Valley in a vibrant celebration of health, unity, and youth engagement.
The event, held under the banner of promoting a safer and more prosperous region, received nearly 5,000 entries. Riders of all ages took to the roads in multiple categories children, women, and participants above 45 years turning the occasion into a colorful carnival of determination and collective purpose.
Even the youngest participants made their presence felt, symbolizing how deeply the fitness movement has taken root in Kashmiri society.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat underlined the deeper significance of the race. “Youth engagement. More youth engagement, more sporting activities. A safe J&K, a drug-free J&K, a secure J&K, and most importantly, a very happy, healthy, and prosperous J&K,” he said.
Highlighting the scale and spirit of the event, the ADGP Armed Police Nitish Kumar stated: “As you know, the Jammu and Kashmir Police organises this Pedal for Peace race here every year. This year too, it has been organised here. In this, we received around 5,000 entries, and as you just saw, around over 3,000 people have participated in it. There are different categories: children’s category, ladies, and people above 45 years of age have their own category. You also saw very small children, one child who has even come in a cradle in a way to participate in this race. This is a very auspicious occasion, and this shows how awareness towards fitness has increased among the people here in Kashmir and how people have a passion regarding health.”
The prize distribution ceremony was held later at the Police Golf Course, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as the chief guest.
Echoing the call for greater youth involvement, Jammu Kashmir Police linked the initiative to a broader mission of remembrance and transformation. “Kashmir Police organised Run for Unity across Kashmir in memory of J&K Police martyrs. And this is an initiative to engage more youths of Kashmir to support activities to make Jammu-Kashmir a safe, secure, terror- and drug-free place.
The Pedal for Peace race forms part of a sustained police-led effort to channel the energy of Kashmir’s youth into constructive and community activities. By combining physical fitness with messages of unity, security and a drug-free future, the event aims that every pedal stroke is to build a healthier, happier, and more prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
