HOSHIARPUR, Jan 2: Balraj Singh Chauhan, an international endurance cyclist from Hoshiarpur, has crossed 2 lakh kilometres, drawing praise from officials and the local community. A celebratory ride was organised from the District Administrative Complex, attended by DC Aashika Jain, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa, former MP Avinash Rai Khanna, and Dr. Ishank Kumar.
“Balraj’s success is the result of years of hard work and determination,” DC Jain said. She added that the Punjab Government recognised him with a State Award on Independence Day, presented by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Jimpa said the district takes pride in Chauhan’s achievements at both national and international levels. “His journey inspires the youth and shows the value of commitment and perseverance,” he said.
Chauhan said he was deeply moved by the support he received. “Cycling alongside the district administration and public representatives on this historic day made the achievement even more memorable,” he said.
The cyclist has an impressive track record, completing international rides like London-Edinburgh-London, Paris-Brest-Paris, and New Delhi-Kathmandu, alongside long-distance Indian routes including New Delhi-Mumbai, New Delhi-Kolkata, and New Delhi-Dalhousie-Amritsar-New Delhi. He has also earned the Super Randonneur title 13 times and qualified for the 5,000-km Race Across America.
Khanna lauded Chauhan with humour: “We may not have driven our cars as much as he has pedaled his cycle.” Dr. Kumar encouraged young people to follow Chauhan’s example by adopting sports and fitness as part of daily life. Chauhan has also been named brand ambassador for Hoshiarpur Municipal Corporation’s Swachh Bharat Mission and Himachal Pradesh’s Gagret Coffee House.
