Pune Grand Challenge Tour to Boost Maharashtra's Tourism on Global Stage

 Pune Grand Challenge Tour to Boost Maharashtra's Tourism on Global Stage

- CM Devendra Fadnavis

• Annual International Cycling Event to Establish Pune's Name on Global Sports Calendar
• Grand event to promote Pune as a major hub for tourism and international sports

Mumbai, July 3 – The annual international-level cycling competition “Pune Grand Challenge Tour”, jointly organised by the Pune District Administration and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) with support from the State Government, will significantly help position Pune as a key global sports and tourism hub, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He expressed confidence that within the next three to four years, this event would become a prominent name on the international circuit.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for organising the Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026 was signed today at Vidhan Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, CFI President Pankaj Singh, General Secretary Mahinder Pal Singh, and other dignitaries and officials.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “Pune, a city blessed with the valour and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and being a hub of manufacturing and technology, will see great opportunities in the field of sports through this initiative. Moreover, the competition will give a massive boost to tourism, attracting more domestic and international visitors. This will help establish Pune as a top destination on both national and global tourism maps, and place it firmly on the world sports calendar.”

He added, “Cycling is followed by fans in over 200 countries. Through this event, Pune’s natural beauty, heritage, and culture will reach global audiences. This could lead to major investments in the tourism and industry sectors. The event will also promote sustainable development, connectivity, fitness, and environmental awareness in Pune’s rural areas, thereby encouraging a healthy lifestyle.”

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that Pune already has a reputation as the 'City of Cycling', and this agreement would further strengthen that image. He noted Pune's significant contribution to international cycling and welcomed the initiative.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi gave a detailed presentation about the event. He informed that the Pune Grand Challenge Tour has received recognition from the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), and approval from Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Switzerland is awaited. Once UCI approval is granted, the event will qualify as a selection event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The event will also help showcase the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), historic forts, rural landscapes, water reservoirs, and wildlife to international audiences. In addition to Pune, adjoining districts will benefit through the promotion of tourism culture and adventure sports. The local economy will receive a boost through increased employment opportunities and infrastructural development.

The event was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary Rajgopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary (Sports) Anil Diggikar, Principal Secretary (Finance) Vijay Saurabh, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Atul Patne, Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Additional Chief Secretary (CMO) Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary Ashwini Bhide, and Secretary Dr. Shrikanth Pardeshi, among others.

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