On Saturday, the son of a tailor, Adil Altaf, created history by winning the first cycling gold medal for Jammu and Kashmir in the Khelo India Yo Games. Adil was awarded a silver in a 28km individual time trial a day before the finals, prompting even Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha to congratulate him.
While making his way through the crowded by-lanes of Lal Bazar in Central Kasmir while helping his father with deliveries, Adil decided to cycle as a professional. For the first time, he participated in a race organized at his school when he was just 15. His father worked doubly hard to buy
After winning back-to-back in local events, the State Bank of India in Srinagar sponsored his Rs. 4.5 lakh MTB bike. For the past six months, he has been training for the Khleo Indian Games at the NIS Patiala.
After his win, Adil said, “This is a big moment for me.” I came here confident of doing well. The gold is a bonus and a huge confidence booster. ” He managed to hold off the challenge posed by more highly regarded cyclists, such as Sidhesh Patil (Maharashtra) and Arshad Faridi (Delhi).
