Manipur Cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam Sets National Record

Manipur Cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam Sets National Record at Asian Track Cycling Championship

Indian cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam has once again made his mark on the international stage, setting a new national record in the men’s spring qualification at the Asian Track Cycling Championship held in Niali, Malaysia. Ronaldo’s impressive performance clocked in at a remarkable 9.877 seconds, earning him a 10th-place finish and a qualification for the R16 in the men’s sprint event.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) took to Twitter to announce Ronaldo’s achievement, stating, “Ace Indian cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam created a New NR in Men’s Sprint Qualification (200m Flying Time Trial) after clocking 9.877s as he finished 10th at the Asian Track Cycling Championships.”

Competing at the National Velodrome in Nilai, the 21-year-old athlete from Manipur not only secured his spot in the next round but also surpassed his own national record by an impressive 0.033 seconds. Ronaldo’s previous accomplishments include winning a silver medal in the senior category at the previous edition of the tournament held in New Delhi. It was a historic moment for Indian cycling as Ronaldo became the first Indian cyclist to achieve such a feat in a continental tournament.

Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam’s cycling career has been marked by outstanding achievements and notable performances. Alongside his silver medal at the Asian Track Cycling Championship, he has won two bronze medals, one in the 1km time trial and another in the team sprint event.

In 2019, Laitonjam soared to victory at the Junior World Championships in Frankfurt, securing a gold medal for India. He has also demonstrated his prowess on the international stage by participating in prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games in 2022, where he competed in the sprint, team sprint, and 1 km time trial. Additionally, he showcased his talents in the 2021 and 2022 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

At the 2021 UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup, Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam finished second overall in the kilometer event, further solidifying his capabilities as a top-tier cyclist.

Born on April 22, 2002, in Wangkhei, Imphal, Manipur, Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam stands tall at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cms) and weighs 92 kgs. Before discovering his passion for cycling, he briefly explored swimming and diving through training sessions in Imphal. Ronaldo’s journey took a significant turn when he joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) national center of excellence in New Delhi in June 2016, following his selection during a talent hunt in April 2016. Now, he aspires to represent India at the Olympics, harboring dreams of becoming an Olympian.

Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam’s consistent dedication, extraordinary talent, and continuous pursuit of excellence have positioned him as a prominent figure in the realm of Indian cycling. As he continues to break records and achieve new milestones, the nation eagerly anticipates his future endeavors and the possibility of witnessing his remarkable feats on the grandest stage of all—the Olympic Games.