SSGC tops medal tally as 10th National Road Cycling Championship concludes in Karachi
SSGC tops medal tally as 10th National Road Cycling Championship concludes in Karachi
By Nawaz Gohar ; Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) delivered a dominant performance to claim the overall title as the 10th National Road Cycling Championship, organized by the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), concluded successfully at Bahria Town Karachi.
The three-day national spectacle, which ran from October 9 to 11, drew elite male and female cyclists from across the country. Athletes competed across various divisions—including Men’s, Women’s, Juniors, and Masters—in individual time trials, team time trials, and road races.
Key departmental and provincial teams in action included SSGC, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts.
SSGC showcased exceptional depth and stamina, spearheading the medal table with 11 gold medals and an overall total of 16 medals. Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) earned three gold medals, while Pakistan Army and Balochistan picked up one gold medal apiece. Overall, Pakistan Army secured seven medals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won four, and Balochistan also finished among the top medal-winning contingents.
A key highlight of this year’s championship was the introduction of the Masters category (ages 40–49 and 50+), alongside expanded opportunities for emerging male and female youth cyclists aimed at broadening the nation’s grassroots cycling ecosystem.
The championship was made possible through major financial support from HabibMetro Bank, with additional operational cooperation from Alkhidmat and Bahria Town Karachi.
Participating cyclists and officials praised the world-class course, security, and logistical setup provided by Bahria Town, which served as an ideal backdrop for national-level road racing.
At the closing ceremony, Ms. Sharifa Haider Ali, Senior Executive at HabibMetro Bank, attended as the chief guest and awarded trophies, medals, and prizes to the standout athletes. The PCF leadership expressed deep gratitude to HabibMetro Bank, supporting partners, and race marshals for their vital role in delivering a seamless tournament.
Buoyed by the event’s success, the President of the PCF announced ambitious plans to host the South Asian Road Cycling Championship at Bahria Town Karachi next year, subject to requisite approvals from international cycling authorities and regional stakeholders.
The international showpiece aims to elevate regional sports diplomacy, give local athletes international exposure, and project a positive sporting image of Pakistan.
Addressing media at the conclusion of the event, the PCF noted that the championship was organized despite acute financial constraints resulting from a lack of annual grants or financial support from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
The federation reiterated its commitment to keeping national cycling active through private sector partnerships and urged government bodies, corporate sponsors, and sports patrons to increase funding for state-of-the-art infrastructure, athlete welfare, and long-term talent development.
