Hero boost for Indian cycling

New Delhi - Hero Cycles, a unit of Hero Group, has decided to support Indian cyclists for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Hero has promoted cycling for long but this is the first time they have committed to a long-term partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), beginning with the organisation of Asian Championships here from March 7-17.

“This is the first time we have thought about promoting cycling on a long term basis. It is because of the change in the company’s management which now is passionate about the sport,” Sanjay Singh, Hero Cycles vice-president of corporate planning told IANS Wednesday.

Sanjay Singh did not divulge the financial side of Hero’s pact with CFI but said it would include training of the cyclists.

“We will continue to organise events but will also partly fund the training of the cyclists.”

CFI president Parminder Singh Dhindsa welcomed Hero’s support saying its backing was required for a sport like cycling.

“It is the third most watched sport in the world but still at a very nascent stage in India. I am thankful to Hero for their much needed support,” said Dhindsa.