KIYG 2025: Rajasthan Cyclists Dominate Time Trials with 5 of 6 Medals on Ganga’s Scenic Marine Drive

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KIYG 2025: Rajasthan's young cyclists once again proved that when it comes to endurance and speed, they are in a league of their own. At the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, the desert state stormed the Time Trials on the scenic Marine Drive along the River Ganga, claiming five of the six medals on offer across the boys' and girls' events.

With the glistening river as the backdrop and clear skies setting the stage, the 30km boys' and 20km girls' Time Trials turned into a Rajasthan showcase. Ramavatar Chhimpa and Manju Choudhary powered their way to gold, blending grit, grace, and strategy on a course that tested every sinew of their athletic resolve.

Seventeen-year-old Ramavatar, the son of a sweetmeat vendor from Nokha in Bikaner district, was the last to start among the 17 cyclists - but certainly the fastest to finish. Clocking 40 minutes and 21.245 seconds over four laps of 7.5km each, he outpaced his nearest rival by a commanding 38 seconds. Training at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, Ramavatar looked composed, calibrated and confident from start to finish. "He looked like he was dancing with the wind," said a coach on the sidelines.

In the girls' race, 16-year-old Manju Choudhary, who shifted from Barmer to Bikaner to chase her cycling dream, brought the same intensity to the saddle. Despite her soft-spoken nature off the bike, she turned fierce once on it. Manju crossed the finish line in 32:15.142, far ahead of her rivals, sending a strong message that she is one to watch on the national scene. She not only beat her State teammates but also outpaced Maharashtra's Jui Gajanan Narkar, who had finished ahead of Rajasthan's Harshita Jakhar at the National Championships earlier this year.

Jui, the only non-Rajasthan cyclist to reach the podium, had to settle for silver in the girls' 20km Time Trial with a time of 32:49.291. A minute slower than Manju, she cut a disappointed figure, knowing she had expected a closer fight. Rukhamani of Rajasthan clinched the bronze to complete yet another near-sweep for her State.

In the boys' event, the silver and bronze also stayed within Rajasthan's grasp, with Mahadev Saran and Mahaveer Saran finishing second and third respectively.

Credit must also go to the Bihar State Sports Authority, who ensured a smooth, traffic-free route along one carriageway of Marine Drive. The well-maintained, open road was met with cheers from participants and coaches alike - a rare treat for young cyclists used to dodging traffic and potholes.

As the sun dipped behind the Ganga and medals were hung around necks glistening with sweat and pride, the message was clear: Rajasthan's cycling machine is well-oiled and relentless - a blend of tradition, hard work and youthful ambition, rolling steadily towards national dominance.