J&K's lone international cyclist Bilal Ahmad Dar's Olympic dream gets a major lift by Punit Balan Group

Budding India cyclist Bilal Ahmad Dar demonstrated tremendous skills, dedication and tenacity when he won a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championship in 2019. Hailing from Kawoosa village in Budgam district, Dar is the only cyclist from Jammu & Kashmir and making the region proud.

Dar - who was spotted during a talent hunt in Srinagar - has won a couple of silver medals at the Asia Cup in 2018 and aims to win more medals for the country in the coming years.

Bilal Ahmad Dar gets new wings

Dar's dream has got new wings as Punit Balan Group (PBG) has signed the talented athlete - Valley's only international cyclist - to support him. PBG will be helping Dar in his mission and help him fuel his dream to represent India at the Olympics.

PBG is supporting the aspirations of several youths from Jammu & Kashmir since 2018. It has been providing all sorts of help to the budding sporting talents in the Union Territory, so they can compete in international competitions across various disciplines. Dar's signing is part of the same initiative.

After getting onboarded by PBG, the acclaimed cyclist said, "I am extremely happy with the faith shown by Punit Sir and his team in me... "My aim is to represent India at the Olympics, a feat that is still untouched and I am working hard to make this dream come true. I am confident with all the support I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts," he added further.

What is Punit Balan Group?

Balan Group is run by Punit Balan, who is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, social worker, and avid sports lover. Balan has been working with the Indian Army since 2018 to promote free education and rebuild the lives of children jeopardised by drugs and militancy in the valley.

Balan Group is dedicated to supporting youngsters in achieving their dreams as they remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence and growth.

Speaking about this exciting onboarding, Punit Balan, the Chairman and Managing Director of Punit Balan Group, said, "Jammu & Kashmir has enormous potential and talents and I am committed to promoting and supporting these athletes so that they can fulfil the dreams to represent India and compete professionally and win medals for the country.

"Through Punit Balan Group and Indrani Balan Foundation we aim to take numerous initiatives to bring the youth of this region into mainstream sports," said Chairman and Managing Director, Punit Balan Group.

The group has so far supported close to 5000 youths including athletes, Afreen Hayder (Taekwondo), Muhammad Saleem (Cycling) Umar Shah (Cricket) and Umeer Syed (Kho Kho).