Bhubaneswar: Odisha cycling star Swasti Singh reached a career milestone of 50 medals by securing silver in the elite 40km mass-start event of the Asmita Khelo India Women’s Cycling League Road Event (North Zone), which concluded in Amritsar on Wednesday.
Six of her 50 medals were earned in international events, and the rest in National Championships, National Games, Khelo India Women’s League and all-India competitions since 2018.
The mass-start silver followed the 20km individual time-trial gold, which she won in the two-day road event on Tuesday.
Swasti settled for silver on Wednesday with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 39.270 seconds, while Meenakshi bagged the gold, clocking 1:14:39.170. Sanskruti Sudhir Khese of Maharashtra claimed bronze with a time of 1:14:40.132.
It was a photo-finish to determine the winner. Swasti could have captured gold again had she not given importance to her safety.
“In mass-start events, there is always a possibility of accidents and injuries. I could have won the gold had I taken risks and pushed myself more. Since this was a zonal event, I played safe. I am happy with the silver,” said the ace Odisha cyclist.
Expressing joy over her career milestone, Swasti said: “I am thankful to everyone who has helped and supported me since the start of my career in 2015. This will encourage me to win greater laurels for my home state and the country. I will continue to work hard with a goal to achieve a career haul of 200 medals.”
A trainee of Patiala-based SAI National Centre of Excellence, Swasti expressed confidence to perform well in Khelo India Women’s Cycling League Track Event (North Zone), which will also take place in Amritsar on September 6 and 7.
