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Cycling in Pakistan has had a tumultuous journey – including major successes and protracted administrative disputes. The recent Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) elections ended a long-standing dispute within the federation. Idris Haider Khawaja was elected as the new president and Moazzam Khan was elected as the general secretary.
The new leadership of the PCF is now fully focused on restoring the good old days of Pakistan cycling. The main road cycle racing event of the PCF in this regard is the Tour de Pakistan which is all set to return in February 2025 after a gap of 13 years.
The PCF, established in 1947, had an impressive start. The federation organized the inaugural National Cycling Championship during the National Games in Karachi in 1948, the event was inaugurated by none other than Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who also served as the first honorary president of the PCF. perform Over the years, PCF has gained a global presence through its association with the Union Cyclists International, Asian Cycling Confederation, and Pakistan’s national sports bodies.
Events such as Tour de Pakistan, Tour de Khunjarab, Tour de Gulyat, Tour de Mohmand, Tour de Orakzai, Tour de Waziristan, and the Mohmand Bajaur Peace Cycling Gala have showcased the talent and passion of Pakistani cyclists and promoted the country’s elite. is given Diverse scenes. However, for more than a decade, this momentum was stalled by conflicts within the federation. Rival factions vying for control spawned parallel cycling bodies, leading to organizational paralysis and stalling of marquee events, including the prestigious Tour de Pakistan.
Pakistan’s illustrious cycling legacy includes notable athletes whose achievements have left an indelible impression.
Wazir Ali represented Pakistan in the Olympics.
Ashiq Champion (deceased) won a silver medal for Pakistan in the Asian Games.
Agha Shah Rukh made history by representing Pakistan in both cycling and hockey.
Rustam Khan (deceased) rose to prominence in cycling with his exceptional skills.
Moazzam Khan Claire represented Pakistan and won silver and bronze medals.
The recent elections within the PCF have provided a much-needed solution to the federation’s 13-year long conflict. Under the leadership of newly elected President Idris Haider Khawaja and General Secretary Moazzam Khan Clare, the PCF is determined to restore Pakistan’s cycling glory.
The change in leadership not only marks a management change, but also a renewed focus on uniting the cycling community and promoting growth at all levels.
One of the most anticipated developments is the return of the Tour de Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place in February 2025. The event has the potential to rekindle public interest in the sport, attract sponsors and provide a platform for local talent to compete with international cyclists.
PCF envisions a bright future for cycling by combining grassroots development with international collaboration. The newly introduced provincial races like Tour de Khanjarab, Tour de Islamabad, and Tour de Mohmand, Tour d Orakzai, and Tour de Waziristan show the potential of sport to bridge tourism and sports. Events like the Mohmand Bajaur Peace Cycling Gala aim to promote peace and harmony through sports.
With the growing global popularity of cycling, this is an important moment for Pakistan to reclaim its legacy and re-establish itself as a regional hub for competitive cycling. The journey ahead may be tough but with strategic vision and collective efforts the wheels of growth are set to turn again.