‘Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026’ Is Not Just a Competition but a Lasting Legacy for Future Generations – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Grand inauguration of the International Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 in the presence of the Chief Minister

Pune, Jan 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will not remain limited to being merely an international cycling competition, but will emerge as a lasting infrastructural and sporting legacy for future generations.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the prestigious International Bajaj Pune Grand Tour and the welcome ceremony for international cyclists, held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Pune.

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, State Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State for Social Justice Madhuri Misal, and Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India Dato Maninder Pal Singh were present on the dais.

Describing Pune district as a confluence of history, culture, and modernity, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that every kilometer of the region offers stories of valor, tradition, and cultural heritage. He noted that Pune, besides being a cultural capital, is also a leading city in technology, manufacturing, and the IT sector. The natural beauty of the Western Ghats, he added, will lend a distinctive character to the competition. He expressed confidence that the event will soon become a prestigious annual fixture on the global sports calendar, placing Pune district prominently on the international map in the fields of sports and tourism.

Stating that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks the beginning of a pathway that will endure for centuries, the Chief Minister said that several allied activities will be undertaken alongside the competition. Tourists will get the opportunity not only to experience nature, but also to visit the historic forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Assuring full cooperation from the Government of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the event would be made a milestone in the history of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). He also appealed to all riders to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship and make the event a success.

Welcoming international cyclists, managers, coaches, and support staff from at least 35 countries on behalf of the Maharashtra government, the Chief Minister congratulated the Pune district administration and all government agencies for the grand and meticulous organization of the event. He noted that completing preparations in a very short time in accordance with international standards was commendable, and that 437 kilometers of roads had been developed to meet the requirements of a world-class cycling competition.

He further stated that not only roads, but all necessary facilities had been created for the event, describing the pace of implementation as unprecedented. Referring to his three decades of administrative experience, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that this was the fastest preparation he had ever witnessed for any major event, and praised all officers and staff for their efforts.

On this occasion, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, while delivering the introductory address, said that the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 would prove to be a milestone for sports, tourism, and the international image of Pune and Maharashtra. Appreciating the coordinated efforts of the administration to ensure the success of the event, he appealed to the people of Pune to participate enthusiastically in this historic cycling competition.

Among those present were Member of Parliament Prof. Medha Kulkarni; MLAs Uma Khapre, Amit Gorkhe, Rahul Kul, Mahesh Landge, Chetan Tupe, Hemant Rasne, and Shankar Jagtap; Managing Director of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited Shravan Hardikar; Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram; Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar; Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaubey; District Collector Jitendra Dudi; State Sports Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale; and District Council Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil, among others.

A Unique Tribute to Indian Attire

When Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the cyclists from across the world on the stage, attention was drawn to the riders’ attire. Dressed in traditional Indian festive wear comprising kurta, pajama, and jackets, all the athletes stood out distinctly. This moment highlighted the pride of Indian culture on a global platform. Cyclists representing diverse languages, countries, and cultures standing together in the same traditional attire was not merely a formal welcome, but a living expression of the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

By wearing kurta, pajama, and jackets, the international guests honored Indian traditions and participated warmly in the program. This unique welcome showcased India’s culture, hospitality, and its ability to engage with the world. The occasion, which beautifully connected sport and culture, became a memorable moment not only for those present, but also for audiences around the world.