Mangalore: Second Leg of All-India Cycling Tour Flagged off at Airport
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Jan 17: A team of cyclists on a tour from Trivandrum to Jammu, organized under the aegis of Airports Authority of India, arrived in the city on Wednesday January 16. A programme was organized at Mangalore International Airport on Thursday January 17 to mark the occasion and to flag off the team's second leg of the journey from the city to Goa.
The programme was jointly organized by the Airports Authority of India, the Airport Sports Control Board and the Mangalore International Airport.
Addressing the gathering, Airport director J T Radhakrishna said that the all-India cycling tour began on January 7 in Trivandrum and will span the length and breath of the country before culminating in Jammu on March 15.
He lauded the team of cyclists for the initiative undertaken by them, which he said will not only emphasize national unity and integrity, but also make people aware of the necessity of conserving fuel.
In his address, deputy commissioner N Prakash, who flagged off the tour, said that India being a vast and diverse country should be explored thoroughly, and cycling was the best way to enjoy its many colours and cultures. He appreciated the team for its unique initiative and wished the cyclists good luck in their endeavour.
Former Airport director M R Vasudeva stressed on the point that Mangalore airport has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, and that it has become a vital geographical centre connecting Mumbai and Trivandrum.
The cycling team consists of people from various airports. Cyclists from Mangalore too joined the expedition in its second leg to Goa, where they will reach on January 21. In all, the expedition will move through 8 states before winding up in Jammu.