Indian cyclists return with impressive haul

The Indian cycling contingent Monday returned with its best so far medal haul from Track Asia Cup, having bagged two gold, three silver and a bronze in Thailand over the weekend.

Teenager Deborah led the medal haul with gold in 500m time trial and sprint in the junior women's category while the other medallists were Manipur's Manorama Devi (two silvers), Haryana's Dilawar (silver) and Rutuja Satpute/V.G. Parvathy (bronze in team sprint).

"This was by far India's best ever performance since the 70s. This performance has now given us the confidence to prepare for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year," said Cycling Federation of India secretary Onkar Singh.

Deborah and Manorama Devi flew back directly to Korea where they have been training with the Korean team since first week of September. The Korean federation had specially invited the duo to train with them following their stupendous performance in the Asian Championship in New Delhi in March.

While Manorama and Deborah were dominating the junior circuit, Satpute and Parvathy from Kerela sprung a surprise with a team sprint bronze in the women's category.

List of medal winners --

Junior:

Deborah - 500m Time Trial Gold with a timing of 38.314 sec

Deborah - Sprint gold - Defeated Khosroshahi Khalili in the final.

Manorama Devi Tongbram - 10km Point race silver (15 points)

Manorama Devi Tongbram - Scratch silver

Dilawar - 16km Point Race silver (26 points)

Women:

Rutuja Satpute/V.G. Parvathy - Team Sprint bronze