In a moment destined to be etched in the annals of Indian sporting history, the Government of Maharashtra and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) have forged a transformative partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3rd July 2025. This historic accord heralds the dawn of a new era for cycling in India, marking a pivotal turning point in the nation’s pursuit of global sporting excellence. The MoU, formalised under the aegis of the Pune District Administration and the CFI, paves the way for the inaugural Pune Grand Challenge 2026—an international cycling race of unparalleled grandeur, poised to redefine the landscape of the sport in India.
The Pune Grand Challenge 2026, a Stage 2.2 event, will span four stages and cover an extraordinary distance of approximately 1,500 kilometres. With an unprecedented prize purse that was, until now, a distant aspiration for Indian cyclists, this race stands as India’s most ambitious and prestigious cycling endeavour to date. It promises not only to showcase the nation’s burgeoning talent but also to elevate India’s stature on the global cycling stage, drawing elite athletes from across the world to compete on Indian soil.
The MoU was signed by Shri Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the CFI, in the distinguished presence of luminaries including Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Ajit Pawar, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister; Shri Dattatray Bharne, the Honourable Minister for Sports; Shri Chandrakant Patil, the Honourable Minister for Higher Education; Shri Pankaj Singh, President of the CFI; Shri Jatinder Dudi, IAS, District Collector of Pune; alongside esteemed members of the CFI Executive Committee and senior officials of the Government of Maharashtra. Their collective presence underscored the gravity and promise of this momentous occasion.
This landmark event signifies a bold new chapter for Indian cycling, one imbued with ambition, vision, and an unwavering commitment to sporting excellence. The Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, reaffirmed the Government of Maharashtra’s resolute dedication to this noble cause. They pledged to leave no stone unturned in supporting the CFI’s grand mission to foster a thriving cycling ecosystem, ensuring that the state becomes a beacon of inspiration for the nation. Their assurances resonate with a shared conviction that Maharashtra will lead the charge in transforming India into a global cycling powerhouse.
Shri Pankaj Singh, President of the CFI, eloquently reiterated the Federation’s steadfast commitment to elevating India to the forefront of international cycling. With Maharashtra spearheading this transformative push, he expressed optimism about the promising future that lies ahead. The synergy between the CFI’s vision and the Government of Maharashtra’s unwavering support signals a bright horizon, where Indian cyclists will not only compete but excel on the world stage.
The Pune Grand Challenge 2026 is more than a race; it is a clarion call to reimagine what is possible for Indian cycling. As the nation embarks on this exhilarating journey, the collaboration between the Government of Maharashtra and the CFI stands as a testament to the power of unified purpose. Together, they are poised to script a legacy of triumph, resilience, and pride, heralding an era where India’s cyclists will ride to glory, with Maharashtra leading the way.
The Sportz Planet Desk
