Pioneering Partnership: CFI and MRIIRS Foster Inclusive Cycling Education in India

In a landmark move for Indian sports, the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) have forged a groundbreaking partnership to elevate cycling and sports education nationwide, according to an official CFI announcement on Wednesday. The collaboration was solidified during a ceremonial event at the Manav Rachna International University's Faridabad campus.

The MoU signing was attended by illustrious figures such as Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of the CFI; Shipra Verma, Executive Member of CFI; and Amit Bhalla, Vice President of Manav Rachna University, among others. This alliance is expected to transform Indian sports, particularly cycling, by integrating athletic and educational development to support athletes in pursuing academic and professional excellence concurrently.

Under this strategic alliance, MRIIRS and CFI will inaugurate the CFI-MRIIRS Cycling Coaching Academy, an innovative educational venture offering UCI-aligned coaching certifications and India's first structured 18-month diploma in cycling coaching and sports sciences. The program will also launch the SafeCycle initiative aimed at enhancing cycling safety and career pathways for various sports roles, while facilitating international exposure and collaboration to boost the professional sphere.

Amit Bhalla, Vice President of MRIIRS, hailed the partnership as a transformative step toward establishing a sustainable, globally competitive cycling ecosystem in India, with plans for scholarship structures and eligibility criteria ready for the forthcoming academic sessions. By merging CFI's technical expertise with MRIIRS's academic prowess, the agreement lays the groundwork for a proficient environment nurturing the next generation of cycling and sports professionals.

Cementing this vision, Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary General of CFI, remarked, 'This collaboration with Manav Rachna University is a visionary effort to intertwine education with elite sports training. Our goal is to cultivate world-class talent, and this partnership furnishes a robust academic and scientific base for Indian cyclists. Together, we aspire to set a new educational standard in cycling coaching and capacity building.'

(With inputs from agencies.)