19-year-old Sukhpal Kaur of Panjab University is hoping to do well in the upcoming All India Inter-University Championship As a professional judo player and having been considered as one of the probables for India three years back at a young age of 19,young Sukhpal Kaur from Bathinda would never had thought to be a cyclist in her life. But fate had something else in store for Kaur in 2007 as the cyclist,who continued judo for three years,suddenly developed interest in cycling and represented Punjabi University and clinching a gold medal at her very first attempt. "I was really into judo and almost represented the country but due to my knee injury,I was not able to practice judo and eventually my doctor also advised me to start cycling. After getting into it,I started enjoying and gained interest in cycling and took this big leap into this sport," explains Sukhpal. The youngster who made her identity by clinching consecutive gold in the Inter College Championship and in the Inter-University in 2008 continued the good form by claiming gold in Inter-College Championship this year. And the young cyclist is pepped up and working her heart out to carry on with her winning spree in the All India Inter University Championship to be held at Punjab Agriculture University,Ludhiana from February 26. "I gave my best in the Inter College and now I am working really hard to earn gold for the University. With an improved timing of 4:35 seconds,I am confident enough to continue my form in the All India Championship," adds Sukhpal. Young Sukhpal is different from many of the aspirants of her age,who see Lance Armstrong as their idol in cycling and get inspired by his feats in the Tour De France. She sacredly idolises her coach Satwinder Singh,whom she thinks is responsible for making her into a competitive cyclist in such a short span of one year. Cycling in India is not a popular sport but the young girl sees a good opportunity. "Indians do have that power,stamina and the zeal in them as to be one of the finest cyclists and if you are good enough,this game gives you quick fame. I think the sport is bit costly and that's why a lot of youngsters don't take up cycling as a career. I am sure if we get the right kind of infrastructure,we will perform well," shares Sukhpal. Having created a team record in the three Km cycling event in the All India Inter University and later clinching gold in Road National Trial and Track National State Championship,the young cyclist is concentrating hard to leave a lasting impression in the All India University Championship this year and is geared up to play the National Games later this year and is hoping to represent India in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010. Cycling inter-university from tomorrowPanjab University will be hosting the All India Inter University Cycling Championship at the Punjab Agriculture University velodrome,Ludhiana,from February 26. A team of seventeen cyclists (boys & girls) has been selected from the Punjab University and had been under a strict supervision of coaches Satwinder Singh Vicky and M.K.Ranga since February 4. "We are constantly working on the speed of the cyclists and laying emphasis on their sprint for the individual and the team events" said Satwinder. Sukhpal Kaur,who previously won gold at the Inter-University Championship,will be the cyclist to watch for. Among the boys,Gurbaj Singh and Satbir Singh who recently won gold in the Inter College Championship can do it for the University too. " I think Punjabi University,Patiala can give us a hard fight as they are the defending champions but our cyclists have done really well in the recent tournaments and I am confident that they will bring laurels for the Punjab University" acknowledged Satwinder. PU teams:Boys:Gurbaj Singh (BA I),Satbir Singh (BA I),Jagdeep Singh (BA III),Pankaj (BA I),Pardeep (BA I),Vivek Walia (BA I),Harpinder Singh (BA III); Girls:Sukhpal Kaur (MA I),Amreet Kaur (BA II),Nisha Rani (BA II),Karamjeet Kaur (BA III),Suman (BA III),Reena (BA II),Monika (BA III),Manjinder Jyoti (BA I).
