Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 20: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (DIPT) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), organized the Island Cycling Tour–2026 today, with the objective of promoting sports, fitness, adventure and tourism in the Islands. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 51 cyclists in the Open Men and Open Women categories, including Defense personnel. The Island Cycling Tour-2026 commenced from National Memorial Cellular Jail in the morning and covered the scenic route through Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Austinabad, Prothrapur, Bathubasti, Garacharma, Sippighat, Chouldari, Tushnabad, Ferrargunj and Jirkatang, before returning towards Netaji Stadium via Wimberlygunj, Bambooflat, Chatham, Sea Shore Road and finally concluding at Netaji Stadium.
The event was formally flagged off by Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, as the chief guest. Addressing the participants, the chief guest highlighted that cycling provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Islands while promoting fitness and adventure. She also emphasized the potential of the Ferrargunj–Jirkatang scenic route for promoting tourism in the Islands. The event showcased the natural beauty of the Islands and the potential of cycling as both a sporting and tourism activity.
Throughout the route, sportspersons, well-wishers and local villagers gathered at various locations to welcome and encourage the cyclists. The event concluded in the evening at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the distribution of medals and certificates to all finishers.