(MOREPIC1) Akhilesh Bansal/Barnala/Chandigarh
Age is just a number… It does not matter whether you are 50 plus or 60 plus. If the intention is strong, you can achieve any goal, set a record. One such feat has been achieved by Alok Bhandari of Tricity Chandigarh.
Alok is 62 years old and has created a world record in cycling. He completed the journey of 428 kms from Leh to Manali in less than 48 hours and got his name registered in the International Book of Records. He has achieved this success by overcoming the challenges of weather and route as well as his physical challenges. Alok is a heart patient and even after getting a stent inserted, he has neither stopped nor halted. He has only moved forward.
(SUBHEAD)Alok is a fitness lover and cycling is everything for him. He retired from the irrigation department of the Punjab government and after Covid, he made cycling his companion. Alok says that in 2020 I had a heart problem and I had to get a stent inserted. After this, I started cycling after consulting a doctor and traveled from Manali to Leh in 2022. It took 5 days. After this, in 2023, the journey was done in 4 days and in 2024 in 3 days. In 2025, I completed the journey of 428 kms from Leh to Manali in 47 hours 32 minutes and made a record.
Alok says that age does not decide that you sit free and do not make any effort. It is your decision what you want to do. I also pay attention to fitness at 60 plus and also inspire others to do the same. Do whatever day or time it is, do not stop. Keep working on your health.
On training, Bhandari says that I thought of doing it in June and started practicing hard from January. I used to cycle daily and did not miss a single day. I ate more protein and maintained my water intake even during the journey. At some places on the way, there is very little oxygen, you have to be prepared for the tough challenges of the weather. During this journey, my three friends stayed with me, kept encouraging me. My family also supported me completely during this time.
Alok says that I want to give a message to everyone that you must work on your fitness. The way you feel bad the whole day if you do not brush your teeth in the morning, you should feel the same when you do not do fitness. Work on your health and start giving time to yourself.
