Four teenage cyclists from Tamil Nadu are representing India at the Track Asia Cup 2026, currently being held at the Indira Gandhi Velodrome in New Delhi. The international competition has drawn cycling talent from across Asia, with the Indian squad comprising athletes from state cycling academies and national training programmes.

Among them are four promising athletes from Tamil Nadu who have made the cut after months of rigorous training, balancing their academic responsibilities with a demanding athletic schedule. The event provides them with an opportunity to race against some of the continent’s best junior and elite cyclists.

Rigorous Training and Academic Balance

The athletes from Tamil Nadu—S. Bhuvaneswari, P. R. Pradeep, N. Priyadarshini, and M. Sanjay—have been training at the Velodrome in New Delhi under the guidance of experienced coaches from the national cycling circuit. Their preparation includes months of endurance, sprint, and skill-based drills designed to enhance both physical fitness and racing technique.

Despite their young age, the cyclists have shown a strong commitment to the sport. They also continue to pursue academics alongside intensive training schedules, often managing school lessons through flexible programmes and remote learning modules.

Representing Tamil Nadu’s Track Cycling Talent

The cyclists are products of a state-level cycling development initiative that scouts talent from district sports academies. They have advanced through competitive selection and training systems before securing places in the national squad.

S. Bhuvaneswari and N. Priyadarshini, both track cyclists in the junior women’s category, have previously won medals in state and national-level competitions. Their participation in the Track Asia Cup marks their debut on the international stage.

In the junior men’s category, P. R. Pradeep and M. Sanjay have consistently performed well in national selection trials and inter-state meets. They are expected to race in sprint and team events during the current championship.

Track Asia Cup Highlights Youth Participation

The Track Asia Cup is one of Asia’s major international track cycling tournaments, organized under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India and sanctioned by the Asian Cycling Confederation. It offers a platform for young cyclists across Asia to compete and earn international ranking points.

This year’s edition features several events across junior and elite categories, including individual sprint, team sprint, time trial, and keirin. For the Indian contingent, the tournament also serves as preparation for future participation in the Asian Championships and World Junior Championships.

Support from Coaches and Family Key to Progress

The teenage cyclists have credited their progress to the structured support from coaches, physiotherapists, and family members. Many of them come from modest backgrounds and have received assistance in the form of training facilities, equipment, and nutritional guidance through government-supported sports development schemes.

Their participation at an international level is viewed as a significant step in Tamil Nadu’s growing presence on the national cycling stage. The development of these young athletes highlights the state’s efforts to nurture talent through grassroots training and exposure to competitive events.