A first-of-its-kind, a ‘Saksham Cyclothon’ was flagged off by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.
Pradhan administered the Saksham pledge and lead the 11-km green and fun-ride amidst great excitement and fanfare to create awareness on conservation of oil and gas. He appealed all citizens to join in the movement for conserving the finite petroleum resources riding bicycle.
Pradhan said benefits of cycling are not only limited to protect environment or fuel conservation but it also carries huge health and fitness dividends. More than 10,000 participants from all walks of life participated.
The winner in the elite (men’s) category was Rajesh from Tamil Nadu who won a cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakh, while in the elite women’s Rutuja of Maharashtra won Rs 1 lakh. Cash prize totalling Rs 6 lakh were awarded across various categories and 50 cycles were distributed to participants through a lucky draw.