The Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ school cycling team delivered a standout performance on the first day of the 69th National School Track Cycling Championship at Sido Kanhu Velodrome, Ranchi. The championship, held from 13th to 17th January 2026, features top student cyclists from across India competing in multiple categories.
In the Individual Time Trial events, the Island team immediately made its mark. Namita Violet claimed the gold medal in the Under-17 Girls category, while I S Britney secured the bronze in the same age group. Britney, competing in the Under-19 Girls division, went on to capture a silver medal, demonstrating remarkable consistency across events. On the boys’ side, Kumar Lionald Becker finished with a bronze in the Under-17 Boys Individual Time Trial. These early achievements have placed the Andaman & Nicobar contingent among the notable performers on the opening day of the national championship.
The School Games Federation of India organizes the championship annually, bringing together participants from all states and union territories to foster competitive cycling at the grassroots level. The event serves as a critical platform for identifying young talent and promoting cycling as a mainstream sport among school-level athletes.
The victories by the Island team underscore the growth of sports infrastructure and coaching in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, particularly in less prominent disciplines such as track cycling. The athletes’ performances have drawn attention to the potential of small island territories in producing nationally competitive sports talent, often against the odds of limited resources and training facilities.
Director of Education Vikram Singh congratulated the medalists for their dedication and perseverance. “Namita Violet, I S Britney, Britney, and Kumar Lionald Becker have made us proud. Their commitment, focus, and sportsmanship set an inspiring example for young athletes nationwide,” he said.
Spectators and fellow competitors at the Sido Kanhu Velodrome have responded positively to the strong showing by the Island athletes, highlighting their technical skills, stamina, and competitive mindset. With several days of competition still remaining, attention now turns to team events and subsequent individual races where the Andaman & Nicobar cyclists will look to expand their medal tally.
The championship also emphasizes the importance of early talent identification, structured training programs, and exposure to high-level competition. Coaches and officials from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands noted that sustained participation in national events is expected to strengthen the athletes’ abilities and prepare them for higher-level competitions, including junior national and international tournaments.
As the 69th National School Track Cycling Championship progresses, the initial day’s success sets a positive tone for the Island team, positioning them as one of the standout contingents. Continued performances in upcoming events could further enhance the profile of cycling and other sports in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, encouraging greater participation and support for young athletes across the islands.
