Cyclist Rohan Philem eyes destination Tokyo
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 05 2020: In yet another new venture, 25-year-old Manipur cyclist Rohan Philem Singh is all set to embark on a solo cycle ride to Japan ahead of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

This will be his first international solo ride.

He will be covering a distance of approximately 10,000 kilometres from New Delhi to Tokyo.

He will set out for the expedition on February 7, he said when he met CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam at his office today.

The Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games is scheduled to be held from August 25 to September 6 .

Rohan will be riding to Tokyo to promote "inclusion, respect and dignity" and raise awareness on "rights of persons with disabilities" .

The ride aims at giving voice to persons with disabilities, he said.

Appreciating Rohan for his outstanding feats and indomitable courage, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam said he will extend moral and financial support to Rohan for his upcoming Tokyo ride.

Inspired by Rohan, the Minister said he is more determined to cycle to his office every Thursday for health and environment.

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched cyclothon, he has been riding bicycle once every week to go office, he said adding he is often called the 'cycle Minister' .

Benefits of cycling should be spread, he added.

Talking about Rohan, Karam Shyam said the State needs to encourage and promote such youth who have brought laurels by braving all odds.

"It will be a proud moment for Manipur as Rohan will be carrying the Salai flag while crossing several countries on his tour to Tokyo," Karam Shyam said.

"We should not discourage such youth on social media, instead we should understand their talents and recognize their potential and achievements.

Let's make our society cultured and civilized.

We should see the positive side of any issue and stop blame game," he said.

Youth should follow the example of Rohan who will be putting Manipur on the global map.

He also mentioned that he will be presenting gifts to both Rohan and G Ingobi for their remarkable cycling feats.

G Ingobi had last year embarked on a global integration tour aimed at covering seven countries under the theme 'One World, One Family'.

Rohan Philem, a resident of Moirang Philem Leikai, Bishnupur district, was raised by his grandfather after his father expired.

He is pursuing Masters degree at Sharda University, Greater Noida.

Rohan has completed many feats inside India and had toured Kashmir to Kanyakumari last year highlighting water scarcity in India.

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