First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself, how you got started in cycling, and track cycling specifically?
I was born in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is part of India, but very far away from the mainland. I didn’t play many sports as a child, but my mum, who was a sportswoman, told me that I should stop wasting my time in the streets and try and become a professional. That’s when I began getting fit, jogging, exercising, everything I could.
When I first tried to join my local cycling club, I was rejected because I wasn’t tall enough. That didn’t stop me though, I kept doing things by myself, and day by day I progressed. The local coaches saw my progression and determination, but knew I could do better, and I finally got accepted into the club.
They provided me with a racing bike and really encouraged me to push myself. Before that, I had been using a normal bike, but with my new bike, and the encouragement I was given, I was able to win my first national title within the space of a year, and two silver medals. Those results helped me get selected for the National Academy of India and within two months I’d started my professional cycling journey.
From that point on, how did you progress into one of the best riders in the world?
Originally I was riding on both the road and track. I wasn’t specialising in a specific discipline and I was taking part in multiple events. That was very difficult to start with - my parents were not rich and my meals were small at times, but I didn’t give up and really pushed myself. It was hard.
What track cycling facilities are there on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
We have a velodrome on the island, but it is very basic. That never bothered me though, I kept myself motivated and didn’t give up.
What support have you received from the UCI in the last years?
When I won my first UCI World Championship medal for my country in 2019, that was a big moment in my life. Everyone in India was celebrating that victory, and since then, the UCI has been hugely supportive of my riding and career, allowing me to train for the biggest races at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland.
How is track cycling in India growing and how well known are you now? Have you seen an increase in fans across India supporting you?
Right now the Indian track cycling team, and the sport in general, are in a really good shape. We had never reached any UCI World Championships before 2019, but since then we have qualified for several top events. We’re starting to be successful in the UCI Nations Cup now too, especially in the last two years. I’m really happy that we’re doing so well.
Before I won the UCI World Championships nobody knew who I was, but the Vice President of India congratulated me and the rest of the team on our success, and now people across the country know me very well.
When I go home to India people come to talk to me, and take selfies with me. They always ask how I won, and say that they’d never thought a cyclist from India could do it. That really gives me added motivation to make my country proud.
Do you have any advice to inspire other Indian cyclists?
Yes. I hope to inspire and motivate all Indians. When I was young, I didn’t get to eat in the mornings, but I told myself that one day I would make my parents proud. I didn’t have a good bike or good shoes, but I pushed myself hard. Other people encouraged me and I kept my mind focused on doing the best I could. So, to all the young cyclists in India I’d like to say this: nowadays you can do anything you set your mind to. If you have a good mindset, you can do anything and nobody can stop you. Never give up.
And what did that success in 2019 mean to you personally?
At first I was a bit shocked. At that time I wasn’t using social media but I heard that the whole of India was celebrating our gold medal. I was happy with our win, but when we returned to India, it was crazy - the whole country was really happy and it changed my life.
And last season you qualified for your first UCI Track Champions League. How did that feel?
It was amazing. I’d tried really hard to qualify but thought I hadn’t done enough, so I was sad, but then I was awarded an invitation, and I was so excited - I was screaming, and people were looking at me. We celebrated it as a team. It means a lot for an Indian cyclist to receive an invitation to the UCI Track Champions League. Everyone was all really happy.
What was it like competing against the world’s best riders during the 2022 season?
I travelled directly from India to Mallorca for the first round and on the day I arrived, I was nervous, especially seeing all the big stars from across the world. I was also the youngest rider in the Men’s Sprint league, so I was trying to think about what I should do, and what to not do. When I was warming up before racing, my heart rate was all the way up to 200 bpm. After the second round, I was a little more relaxed, and it was nice.
And what does it mean to you to represent India in a global event like the UCI Track Champions League?
It’s an honour for me to represent India at the UCI Track Champions League. I want to show all the nations across the world how strong we are as a country. I’m very proud.
Do you often get messages from Indian fans on social media who have been watching you racing at the UCI Track Champions League?
So many Indian fans came to the Grand Finale in London last year and said how proud of me they were. I was really humbled, so this year I really want to qualify again and show them what I can do.
