Tura, Jan 19: Phyrnai Kyndait, a resident of East Jaintia Hills and a 4th semester Bachelor of Arts student, has emerged as one of the rising stars of cycling, showcasing her talent at the 5th Meghalaya Games in Tura.
Last year, she participated in the 4th Meghalaya Games as an athlete and secured the second position. This year, however, marked her debut as a cyclist at the ongoing 5th Meghalaya Games, and the result was nothing short of spectacular—she clinched the gold title for XCO women open category/Mass start.
A dreamer from a humble background, she is aiming for the laurels in the national and international arena.
The 21-year-old’s love for cycling traces back to her childhood, where the simple joy of riding a bicycle laid the foundation for her future endeavours.
In 2022, her journey took a significant turn when she participated in a competition organised by the West Jaintia Adventure Cycling Association in Jowai. This marked the beginning of a remarkable series of achievements that would follow.
Her debut as a cycling athlete saw her clinching a gold medal at the competition in Jowai, an accomplishment she repeated in a subsequent track event from Jowai to Amlarem. The victories did not stop there; Phyrnai secured the top spot in a national trial run in Mawkyrwat conducted by the Meghalaya Cycling Association.
The pinnacle of her achievements came when she represented Meghalaya at the international level in the MTB Tawang National CFI held at Tawang, earning yet another gold medal. Undoubtedly, Phyrnai Kyndait’s journey from a local cyclist to an international medallist is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
Phyrnai transitioned from athletics to cycling, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.
Phyrnai credits her family, particularly her brother, for being the pillars of support in her sporting journey. Her brother, once a cyclist himself, provided the inspiration and the means for Phyrnai to pursue her passion when he decided to settle down. Her brother’s cycle became the catalyst for her entry into the world of competitive cycling.
However, Phyrnai does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that come with pursuing cycling at a professional level. “When I go outside the state to compete, I meet many professional riders, and in comparison, to their available equipment we still lack a lot. Coming from a humble family, it is quite a challenge for me to be able to afford a better professional cycle because they are quite expensive. Financial constraints pose a significant hurdle, with professional cycles being expensive investments. All that I aspire for is to be able to get a better professional cycle and to get the best coaching regarding the sport because I want to make the name of my state and the country shine bright in the international game,” she said.
As she gears up for the National Games, Phyrnai carries not just her medals but also the hopes and aspirations of a young cyclist ready to conquer new heights.
