New Delhi, 24 September (H.S.): Pune has secured the hosting rights for the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, bringing the prestigious global cycling event to India for the first time. The bid was submitted by the Government of Maharashtra and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), with the support of the Government of India, according to a press release.

The announcement was made following Pune’s final presentation at the UCI Congress in Montreal, Canada. A senior delegation from the Maharashtra government was also present on the occasion.

The UCI Road World Championships are among the most prestigious events on the international cycling calendar, attracting the world’s leading cyclists who compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys.

The 2025 edition, held in Kigali, Rwanda, featured 734 cyclists from 113 countries and drew around two million spectators.

For India, hosting the championships will provide an opportunity to bring the global cycling community to the country while strengthening athlete development, infrastructure, participation and technical expertise. Pune’s bid highlighted India’s large cycling base, the sport’s growing grassroots popularity and the city’s experience in hosting international sporting events.

The 2026 Pune Grand Tour also demonstrated the city’s ability to manage a major sporting event. The event involved coordination among more than 25 government departments and the preparation of 437 kilometres of race-ready roads. By 2032, Pune will have accumulated six years of Grand Tour experience.

UCI President David Lappartient said the report on the Pune Grand Tour was highly encouraging.

He said India had significant potential for the development of cycling and that the commitment shown by key stakeholders was a positive sign for the future of the sport.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi described the hosting rights as a significant opportunity for Pune and India. According to him, hosting the championships would promote elite sport as well as public participation, tourism, economic activity and Pune’s global profile.

Cycling Federation of India Secretary General Maninder Pal Singh said the period leading up to 2032 would be used to create better opportunities and a stronger system for Indian athletes, coaches and technical officials. He said India aimed to develop its cycling ecosystem in line with the highest international standards.

The 2032 championships in Pune will be held four years before the proposed 2036 Olympic Games. The event will therefore also provide an opportunity to demonstrate India’s infrastructure and organisational capabilities for major international sporting events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar