HOSHIARPUR, Jan 2: International cyclist Balraj Singh Chauhan has pedaled 2 lakh kilometres, a milestone celebrated with a special ride from the District Administrative Complex in Hoshiarpur on Wednesday. The event drew Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa, former MP Avinash Rai Khanna, and Chabbewal MLA Dr. Ishank Kumar, who joined Chauhan on bicycles.
“It gives me immense happiness to be part of this moment, and to cycle alongside him on this special day,” DC Jain said. She noted that Chauhan was honoured with a Punjab State Award on August 15, presented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, for his contributions to sports and fitness.
MLA Jimpa said Chauhan’s achievements have brought recognition to Hoshiarpur at both national and international levels. “He has become a role model for the youth, showing what commitment and perseverance can achieve,” he said.
Chauhan expressed gratitude for the support he received. “I never imagined reaching such a milestone. The encouragement, love, and respect I received from people in India and abroad kept motivating me to move forward,” he said.
The 61-year-old cyclist holds an extensive record of endurance events, including London-Edinburgh-London (1,540 km), Paris-Brest-Paris (1,220 km), and New Delhi-Kathmandu (1,025 km). Within India, he has completed New Delhi-Mumbai (1,460 km), New Delhi-Kolkata (1,480 km), and New Delhi-Dalhousie-Amritsar-New Delhi (1,400 km) rides.
Chauhan has also earned the Super Randonneur title 13 times, awarded for completing 200-km, 300-km, 400-km, and 600-km rides in a year, and has qualified for the 5,000-km Race Across America, one of the toughest cycling races in the world. He has been appointed brand ambassador for the Hoshiarpur Municipal Corporation under Swachh Bharat Mission and Himachal Pradesh’s Gagret Coffee House.
Khanna, joking about Chauhan’s dedication, said, “We may not have driven our cars as much as Balraj has pedaled his cycle.” Dr. Kumar urged local youth to take inspiration and actively engage in sports and fitness.
