Jasmeek Kaur Sekhon, an 18-year-old Khalsa College for Women student, has become the first female cyclist from the subcontinent to be selected for the Astana Dewi Women's Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) squad.
Sekhon is a member of the eight-person international cycling squad, the first Asian women's team of its kind. The team, an offshoot of the well-known Astana Qazaqstan in men's cycling, intends to drive the advancement of women's cycling on the continent.
The squad is now undergoing intense training in Turkey as it prepares for upcoming events in Spain, Uzbekistan, Belgium, Kazakhstan, and other nations.
Sekhon expressed her delight, saying, "Being a member of this development squad situated in France is a major chance and dream of any persevering racer since it will give me excellent exposure and help me improve as a cyclist. I want to be an asset to the team."
Sekhon, who hopes to be a police officer, has already made an impression on the world arena by winning silver in the Asian Championship 2022. Sekhon began her bicycle career three years ago, having previously excelled in tennis and skating. Sekhon, trained by her elder brother Harshveer, an international racer, finished third at the Sub-Junior Cycling Championship in 2021 and won gold at the National Track Cycling Championship in Jaipur the same year.
Her accomplishments have not only given pleasure to her family, but have also earned her recognition from her alma institution, DAV Public School. School administrator J K Sidhu wished Sekhon the best of luck in her future aspirations, highlighting the pride that her successes have instilled in the school community.
