Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today felicitated Odisha cycling sensation and National record holder, Swasti Singh for her outstanding achievements at Naveen Niwas, Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister also handed over a cheque of Rs 2 lakhs as financial incentive for her achievements.

Congratulating Swasti on her achievements, Chief Minister Patnaik said, “Her achievement is an inspiration for many young and aspiring cyclists of our country, especially women, who will emulate her path of strive and success. We are immensely proud of her. She has the potential to rise to be one of the cycling superstars.”

Riding on a wave of success, the 20-year-old cyclist from Rourkela has bagged three international and 15 national medals in less than three years. Swasti, who now trains at National Cycling Academy in New Delhi, also has two National Records to her name

Swasti, who was mentored by former cyclist-turned-coach Susil Das, won her first National medal with a bronze at the 2018 Junior Track Championship in New Delhi and first international medal with gold at the Asian Junior Track Championship the same year.

Swasti set both road and track on fire, pedaling her way to two gold and two silver medals in National championships within a month. She captured gold in elite women 60km mass start art the 25th Senior National Road Cycling Championship in Navi Mumbai.

Swasti followed it with gold in 20km point race and one silver medal each in 10km scratch race and 3000m individual pursuit at the 72nd Senior National Track Cycling Championship in Hyderabad. On top of it, she created new National Record in 3000m individual pursuit with a time of 4 minutes 05.547 seconds.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: Swasti Singh receives a cheque of Rs 2 lakh from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar on 7th April, 2021.