Chennai, India – The roar of the crowd, the blur of speed, and the relentless pursuit of milliseconds – these are the hallmarks of elite track cycling. But behind the exhilarating spectacle of the Track Asia Cup, a UCI Class-2 competition recently held in Chennai, lies a story of profound dedication and sacrifice, embodied by four teenage girls whose lives are a testament to the demanding path toward Olympic glory. These young athletes, Niraimathi Jesudasan, Jai Jyotshna, Thabitha Shaffi, and Srimathi Jesudasan, are navigating a rigorous journey, trading the carefree days of adolescence for the disciplined world of professional sport.
Their days are meticulously structured, a delicate balancing act between early morning training sessions, fragmented self-study amidst demanding schedules, and prolonged hours under the watchful eyes of coaches and teammates. This structured existence leaves little room for the spontaneous joys and casual pursuits that define youth. While the world sees the medals and accolades, it rarely witnesses the silent hours of solitary training, the missed social events, and the mental fortitude required to excel in a sport where victory is measured in fractions of a second.
The Track Asia Cup itself serves as a critical stepping stone, awarding international ranking points essential for qualification in the Olympic Games. The competition, featuring formidable riders from across Asia, is staged on steeply banked oval velodromes, where the margin between success and disappointment is razor-thin. It is on this demanding canvas that these young women are etching their aspirations, each pedal stroke a declaration of their ambition.
A Foundation Forged in Adversity: Humble Beginnings on the Road to the Velodrome
The journeys of these four cyclists are deeply rooted in their socio-economic backgrounds, highlighting the crucial role of support systems and early encouragement. For Niraimathi Jesudasan, hailing from Thoothukkudi, financial constraints were a significant hurdle. "We come from a very poor background," she shares, her voice tinged with gratitude. "All our equipment, shoes, and cycles were given to us by Kanimozhi ma’am (Thoothukkudi MP, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi). The more medals we won, the more she helped us, so we got the confidence to keep going."
Niraimathi, a 19-year-old competing in the Women Elite – Time Trial category, showcased her potential by finishing the 1km event in 1 minute and 24 seconds. While acknowledging the challenge of competing against seasoned seniors, she embraces the learning curve. "It is difficult when I compete with seniors, but this is my first year competing in the elite category, and I’m enjoying the difficulties," she states with a mature resolve.
Her older sister, Srimathi Jesudasan, also demonstrated strong performances in both the Women Elite – Keirin and Women Elite – Sprint categories. Srimathi’s path to cycling was paved with resilience, particularly during the pandemic. "My father was a tailor and we went through a lot during the pandemic," she recalls. Her talent was discovered through a local cycling championship in Thoothukkudi, where she secured a gold medal after just a few months of training. "The more I trained, the more medals I won. I have around 20 medals in various championships now," she says, a testament to her rapid ascent.
From Local Tracks to International Arenas: A Tapestry of Talent and Drive
The story of 18-year-old Jai Jyotshna A is one of serendipitous discovery and unwavering parental support. While living in Coimbatore, the opening of a nearby mud track ignited her passion for cycling. "When I lived in Coimbatore, a mud tracked opened near my house, and I only had an MTB bike then. I participated in the club race and came in third without any practice," she recounts. This early success spurred her parents to seek out coaching, leading to her dedicated training. Her journey transitioned from road cycling to track cycling upon her move to Chennai.
At the Track Asia Cup, Jai Jyotshna secured fifth place in the Women Junior – Sprint category. Her commitment to academics is as strong as her athletic prowess. "I train from 9 am to 11 am, then after lunch I study for exams because I’m in 12th class now," she explains. "I spend all my rest and recovery time studying, and then go back to training." Currently, she is honing her skills at the Delhi NCOE (National Centre of Excellence) camp, preparing for future competitions.
Thabitha Shaffi, the gold medalist in the Women Junior – Sprint category, presents a profile of a true multi-sport athlete. Initially a kabaddi player and an athletics enthusiast, she embraced cycling after a local race. "I participated in a local cycling race, and came in fourth position and the coach encouraged me to train more and focus on cycling," she shares. The inherent risks of kabaddi led her to transition fully to cycling, both road and track. Her dedication saw her attend her first national camp in Hyderabad, followed by one in Kerala. The 18-year-old has amassed several accolades, including a silver medal at the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar in 2025.
The Crucial Role of Infrastructure and Support Systems
The hosting of the Track Asia Cup at the SDAT Velodrome in the TNPESU campus underscores the growing emphasis on developing world-class sporting infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. The velodrome, built to international championship standards, underwent significant renovation for the Khelo India Youth Games in 2023.
M. Sudhakar, President of the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association (TNCA), highlights the positive impact of these developments. "The access to sports has been made easy in the last few years. Since the TN Government has put effort into developing the infrastructure, young athletes feel motivated to participate more," he states. This investment in facilities not only provides a conducive environment for training and competition but also serves as a powerful motivator for aspiring athletes.
The Unending Pursuit: A Glimpse into the Future
For Niraimathi, Jai Jyotshna, Thabitha, and Srimathi, the Track Asia Cup is not an endpoint, but a significant milestone on a continuum of relentless dedication. The conclusion of the competition marks the beginning of the next phase of training, the continuation of academic pursuits, and the anticipation of future challenges.
"I started cycling at this very track, and to participate in an international event at the same track is a moment of pride for me," says Thabitha, her eyes reflecting a potent blend of accomplishment and ambition. "This is the beginning." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of these young athletes, who understand that the sacrifices made today are the investments in the dreams of tomorrow. Their journey, though demanding and often solitary, is a powerful narrative of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence on the global sporting stage. The medals they chase are not merely trophies, but symbols of their dedication, their courage, and their profound love for the sport.
