On 19 November 2017, Centre for Social Research conducted a sub-district level Cycling competition at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Palra, Jhajjar. The team reached Palra, a small village located around 15 kilometres away from the city of Jhajjar. Around twenty cycles were neatly arranged near the dais which was decorated by the girls themselves using dupattas (long scarves) they had brought from home. The stadium is currently being re-painted for other upcoming events, and a mural painting of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Shaheed Bhagat Singh stood as a motivating backdrop to the stage. The trophies for winners were displayed on the table to motivate the girls. The Sarpanch of the village, Mr.— , graciously obliged to be the chief guest for the sub-district level cycling competition.
The program commenced around 10:30 in the morning, as Mrs. Sharmila Dabas, the cycling coach introduced the CSR team to the audience. Dr. Mishra then explained the vision of the Sports for Girls project to an eager audience. She urged the parents to support their daughters whole-heartedly and help them unleash their potential. To further accentuate her point, she mentioned the female athletes from Haryana who have brought home medals and made our country proud. She motivated the gathering through her words and addressed both women and men present in the audience. Thereafter, Mrs. Dabas initiated the cycling race for girls under 14 years of age.
The participation levels of girls under 14 was good, and it was heartwarming to see such young girls enthusiastically gearing up for the race. Nargish won the first prize in the under fourteen category, and Sneha and Tanu came second and third in the race, respectively. There was a decent turnout for the under sixteen category, and the cycling race for girls under sixteen was exciting. Even girls who may not be regularly training for cycling at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium participated in the competition and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. —winners list— The first prize for both under fourteen and under sixteen category was a monetary prize of two thousand rupees given as a cheque.
The cycling race ended on a joyous note and the proud mothers cheered their daughters throughout the prize distribution ceremony. The Sarpanch handed over the prizes to the winners and congratulated them. Dr. Mishra concluded the program with a vote of thanks, thanking the audience for their patience and support. The refreshments were distributed to the children in the audience.
