AI Generated Summary
- For the Ludhiana cyclist, the focus will now shift from earning a place at the championships to making the most of the opportunity when he lines up against the world’s best in October.
- City cyclist Harshveer Singh Sekhon has added another significant achievement to his international career by securing qualification in the omnium at the UCI World Track Cycling Championships, where he will now compete in two events for India.
- “His qualification has brought the spotlight on Ludhiana’s cycling talent and the potential of the state’s youngsters to make their mark on the international stage,” a city-based sports promoter said.
City cyclist Harshveer Singh Sekhon has added another significant achievement to his international career by securing qualification in the omnium at the UCI World Track Cycling Championships, where he will now compete in two events for India.
The championships will be held in Denmark from October 16 to 20. Sekhon had earlier created history by becoming the first Indian cyclist to qualify for the elimination race at the prestigious competition. His qualification in the omnium has further strengthened his position among the country’s leading endurance cyclists.
One of the toughest disciplines in track cycling, the omnium requires riders to contest four races — scratch, tempo, elimination and points. The event demands not only endurance and speed but also tactical ability and consistency across different formats.
Sekhon earned his place on the strength of his UCI ranking, built through a series of performances at international competitions over the past two seasons. He has competed at UCI-sanctioned events in Asia and Europe, collecting crucial ranking points and securing podium finishes at continental-level competitions.
A former national champion in the omnium, Sekhon has also won medals at the Asia Cup. He has represented India at the Asian Games and competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His performances have seen him emerge as one of the country’s highest-ranked endurance riders and earned him opportunities to train and compete in Europe under programmes organised by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
For his World Championships campaign, Sekhon has been training as part of the national endurance programme at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala under chief endurance coach Joginder. His preparations have also included European training camps facilitated by the CFI, providing him exposure to high-level international competition.
Sekhon’s rise in cycling is particularly noteworthy as he began his sporting career in a different discipline. A former international roller skater and Asian medallist, he later switched to cycling in search of greater competitive opportunities. The transition proved successful, with Sekhon gradually establishing himself among India’s foremost endurance cyclists.
A resident of Citizen Enclave on Barewal Road, Sekhon studied at DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, before attending Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College. A considerable part of his cycling career has been spent preparing at international camps and competing abroad. He has also relied on intensive individual training, increasing his workload ahead of major championships to prepare for the demands of elite competition.
His double qualification is being seen as an important development for Indian track cycling, particularly in endurance disciplines where Indian riders are seeking to establish a stronger presence internationally. The World Track Cycling Championships bring together the sport’s leading riders, making qualification itself a major test of consistency at the international level.
The achievement has also generated enthusiasm within Ludhiana’s cycling community, with local sports representatives saying Sekhon’s progress could encourage more youngsters from Punjab to pursue competitive cycling.
“His qualification has brought the spotlight on Ludhiana’s cycling talent and the potential of the state’s youngsters to make their mark on the international stage,” a city-based sports promoter said.
Rupinder Saluja, president of the Cycling Association of Ludhiana District (CALD), secretary Satinder Singh ‘Vicky’ and treasurer Mandeep Singh Kalsi congratulated Sekhon and wished him success at the championships.
They said competing in two disciplines against the world’s leading cyclists was a major accomplishment and expressed hope that Sekhon would build on the qualification with a strong showing in Denmark.
For the Ludhiana cyclist, the focus will now shift from earning a place at the championships to making the most of the opportunity when he lines up against the world’s best in October.
