Imphal: The 86th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force held a 10-kilometer cycling event in Imphal West today. It operated under the SPANDAN initiative, which stands for Sports for Peace and Development Across the Nation. The program aims to boost national integration and engage local youth in healthy habits to fight drug abuse. The effort functioned under the guidance of Inspector General of the Manipur and Nagaland Sector.
Commandant Saurabh Kumar Chaoudhary supervised the entire operation. Padma Shri awardee and champion weightlifter N. Kunjarani Devi served as the chief guest for the day. She joined Chaoudhary to flag off the riders at the Western Gate of Kangla. It was a busy morning. The route spanned multiple key city locations including the 1st MR Junction, Keishampat Junction, Kwakeithel Bazaar, and the Punya Honda Showroom. Cyclists also pedaled past Little Flower School and the Lok Bhawan Gate before returning to the start point.
Ninety-four people of varying ages joined the race. Once the dust settled, N. Kunjarani Devi, Saurabh Kumar Chaoudhary, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Florence Dangmei handed out awards. Winners received medals, certificates, and cash prizes. Athokpam Bike Singh grabbed the first-place prize of 10,000 rupees. Thounaojam Gyananta Singh took second place and 6,000 rupees. Angom Yaiphaba finished third to earn 4,000 rupees. The organizers also celebrated the youngest and oldest cyclists. As one participant noted, the event successfully pushed "grassroots sporting talent" while highlighting the need for constructive community activities.
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