Meet Jasmeek Kaur, Only South Asian In International Cyclist Team

Jasmeek Kaur Sekhon from Ludhiana, Punjab, made history at just the age of 18, pedalling her way as the only South Asian into the international women's cyclist team. The student of Khalsa College was selected for the eight-member Astana Dewi Women’s Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) team. A report in the Hindustan Times (HT) said that Astana Dewi is the first all-women's team from Asia in collaboration with the France-based international cycling federation UCI. It is an extension of the all-male Astana Qazaqstan team. 

Speaking to HT, Sekhon said, "Being a part of this development team based in France is a huge opportunity and dream of every enduring cyclist as this will provide me with great exposure and will help me upgrade myself as a cyclist. I want to become an asset for the team."

Jasmeek Kaur Sekhon, Teen Cyclist Representing India At Global Arena

Jasmeek Kaur Sekhon is an all-rounder sportsperson, involved in skating and tennis apart from cycling. According to HT, she started cycling competitively in February 2021, following the tracks of her brother, Harshveer Sekhon, who is also an ace cyclist and Kaur Sekhon's coach. In just three years, she has already won several laurels including a silver at the Asian Championship in 2022. 

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Sekhon has won several local tournaments, including third place in her first-ever competition, the 2021 Sub-Junior Cycling Championship. It did not take her long before she won a gold medal that same year in a Jaipur race, the National Track Cycling Championship.

Sekhon credits her achievements to the coaching and support of her brother who, she says, keeps inspiring and motivating her to focus and work hard to accomplish her target. Sekhon completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Ludhiana, where her teachers and students now stand proud thanks to her accomplishments in sports.

The school's principal told Hindustan Times, “Her achievements fill our hearts with pride and joy. We wish her the best for her future endeavours." The 18-year-old sportsperson now attends Khalsa College. She is active on social media and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her tournaments. 

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