GUWAHATI
A specially-abled cyclist from central Assam’s Nagaon district is set to pedal 9,000 km from Moscow in Russia to Guwahati in April. This is the first such long-distance solo attempt by a para cyclist from India.
Rakesh Banik, who represents Assam in various national and international cycling events, said his 120-day adventure is aimed at promoting tourism in Assam, and the Fit India movement.
“This journey is about breaking barriers and proving that no challenge is too big to overcome. It is a privilege to represent the country and through this ride, I hope to inspire others to embrace adventure, fitness, and perseverance,” the 39-year-old para cyclist, a State poll icon and the brand ambassador of Assam’s Panchayat and Rural Development Department, said on Tuesday (March 4, 2025).
The bicycle expedition, titled ‘Volga to Brahmaputra’, is scheduled to be flagged off from the Indian Embassy in Moscow in the first week of April. It will conclude about four months later, after taking Mr. Banik through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Nepal, apart from Russia and India.
The Union Ministry of Tourism’s former Deputy Director General Anil Arow said the para cyclist’s journey would not be about covering miles but about breaking stereotypes and proving that India is an inclusive destination for all travellers, including differently-abled adventurers.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Mr. Banik’s zeal and extended support for his expedition. He also urged various organisations to provide financial assistance for his journey as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Mr. Banik lost his right leg in an accident in June 2012 but his indomitable spirit made him acquire a prosthetic limb and undergo extensive training to become a professional cyclist. He has accomplished several cross-country cycling expeditions. He also cycled for 35 days in 2018 to cover about 4,500 km from Thailand’s Bangkok to Guwahati.
