A junior cyclist from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has delivered a strong international performance, with Namita Violet of the Sports Authority of India’s SAI STC Car Nicobar winning the gold medal in the Team Sprint event at the Asia Cup Track Cycling 2026.
The continental tournament was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from January 29 to 31, bringing together elite track cyclists from across Asia. Violet’s gold medal performance contributed to India’s medal tally at the event and marked a significant achievement for island-based sports training programmes.
Following her success at the Asia Cup, Violet has been selected for the Junior Indian Cycling Team that will compete at the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2026. The championship is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from March 26 to 30 and is considered one of the most competitive events on the Asian cycling calendar.
Violet is currently training at SAI STC Car Nicobar, where she is being coached under the guidance of Vishwajit B. Sutar, Centre In-Charge and Assistant Coach for Cycling, along with Assistant Coach Anand V. Officials associated with the centre said her performance reflects sustained training, technical preparation and competitive exposure provided through the SAI system.
The achievement has been credited to the continued institutional support extended by the Sports Authority of India, Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre, Kolkata. The centre functions under the leadership of Executive Director Amar Jyoti, with Deputy Director Ravi Kalra overseeing operational and athlete development initiatives.
Sports officials noted that Violet’s progress from national training circuits to international podium finishes underscores the strengthening of grassroots sports infrastructure in remote regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The SAI STC Car Nicobar has been focusing on identifying and nurturing young sporting talent through structured coaching, discipline-specific training and national-level exposure.
Violet’s selection for the Asian Championships places her among the country’s top junior cyclists and positions her for further international competition. The upcoming event in the Philippines is expected to serve as a key platform for junior athletes aiming to transition into senior-level international cycling.
Her performance is being viewed as a milestone for cycling development in the islands, particularly in Car Nicobar, which has emerged as a training hub for young athletes under the Sports Authority of India’s regional programmes.
Officials associated with the training centre said such results reinforce confidence in decentralised sports training models and demonstrate the potential of athletes from geographically distant regions when provided with sustained institutional backing.
With preparations underway for the Asian Track Cycling Championships, Violet will continue training under SAI supervision as part of the national junior squad, as Indian cycling looks to consolidate its presence at the continental level.Car Nicobar Cyclist Wins Gold at Asia Cup, Selected for Junior Indian Team
