Raheela paddle to victory in cycle races

Lahore: After the successful organization of the road cycle races in connection with the Punjab Youth Festival, in which Nauman Shaukat, Mohammad Imran and Raheela Banu were the winners, the Sports Board Punjab is moving towards the initiation of the 17 kilometres marathon on Sunday.

In the 66 kilometres cycle race for professional cyclists, Nauman Shaukat of Gujranwala paddled to victory covering the distance in about one hour and 38 minutes. He was followed by his brother Imran Shaukat at number two position while Mohammad Shakeel cycled to third place in the race. While the defending champion Awais Ali of Faisalabad even did not come among near the top-position notchers.
Deputy Speaker and chairman sports Punjab Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan was the focal person to flag off all the three races while Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Usman Anwar maintained restraint as the main organizer of the races.

In the 22 kilometres race, Mohammad Imran took the first position, paddling his way to the top in 38 minutes. His closest contended in the race was Muhammad Azeem at number two position while Shamoon secured the third place in the race.
In the female race for 22 kilometres, national champion Raheela Banu left all the paddlers behind to clinch the race. She (Raheela) was closely checked by her teammate from Lahore Maliaka but she could secure second place behind. And in the third position came Shamim Urooj.
Misbah, Mahwish and Sidra got fourth, fifth and sixth positions in the race that was in all participated by around 30 female cyclists.
The all the three races, 66 km, 22 male and female cycle race including ordinary cyclists ranged around 300 while nearly a crowd 5000 people cheered the cyclists on both sides of the ring road.
The three winners of the 66 km race will be awarded cash awards on March 14 during the closing ceremony. The winner will get Rs 200,000, 150,000 and 100,000. Similarly the wines of the 22 male and female races will be given RS 50,000, 40,000 and 30,000 respectively each in both the categories.

All the three races were flagged off from the Old Ravi Bridge, Ring Road and the 66 km cyclists to their U-turn from DHA Interchange while the 22 Km race took its way back from GT Road interchange. On the way and during the race sport was made for water, medical casualty while similar facility was also available for the cyclists on mobile cars which stay with them throughout the route.
Other than the Civil Defence officials, Recsue 1122, traffic and security police was on the alert to handle any untoward situation.
Meanwhile, on Sunday the 17 kilometres marathon will be held. It will start from Punjab Stadium and will move towards Kalma Chawk underpass and from there it will go on Ferozepur road to canal and from Dharampura it will return to Punjab Stadium.

There will also be 3 kilometres fun race for ladies (separately) and families at main Boulevard Gulberg. It will start from Saddique Trade Centre and terminate at Liberty roundabout.