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| Indian Army officer creates Guinness World Record |
Key Highlights
- This ride was scheduled as part of the Indian Army's 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebrations commemorating the 1971 victory over Pakistan.
- Lt Col Bharat Pannu has set a new Guinness World Record for ultra-cycling by travelling India from west to east in the quickest time possible on a bicycle.
The Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan in a decisive and historic victory in December 1971, freeing East Pakistan and paving the way for the foundation of Bangladesh. This ride was scheduled as part of the Indian Army's 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebrations commemorating the 1971 victory over Pakistan.
Lt Col Bharat Pannu has set a new Guinness World Record for ultra-cycling by travelling India from west to east in the quickest time possible on a bicycle. The event began at 0715 hours on October 17, 2021, in Koteshwar, Gujarat, and ended on October 26, 2021, in Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh, after covering a total distance of 3800 kilometres.
The voyage took 9 days and included stops in Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Siliguri, and Tezpur. Naresh Kumar set the previous record by riding for 11 days and 21 hours.
Despite the odds of heavy traffic, rain, and high temperatures, Lt Col Pannu and his squad maintained their spirit and commitment. They also distributed leaflets on the voyage to raise awareness of the 50th anniversary of the 1971 War, dubbed "Swarnim Vijay Varsh," among the young. A dietician, a bike mechanic, and a physiotherapist were among the team's six members.
"Ultra-endurance cycling not only puts your physical strength to the test, but it also puts your mental toughness to the test since you only get an hour or two of sleep at a time." "Lt Col Pannu is an inspiration to all of us," adds crew chief Darshan Dubey.
He is a graduate of AIT in Pune and a serving officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). He is an avid cyclist with two World Records in ultra-cycling to his name.
“Cycling is freeing, it is an elixir for the soul,” the officer remarked as to what kept him going.
To seek a Guinness World Record, one needs not only to be dedicated but also clever and have a strategy." He attributes his ongoing drive to the Indian Army, which has helped him into the Guinness Book of Records.
The Indian Army organized the event, which was carried out by the Armoured Corps Centre & School in Ahmednagar, where he is the OIC, Cycling Node.
