Two senior citizens from Jharkhand have done the state proud by bagging cycling medals at the inaugural National Veterans Sports & Games Championship Khel Mahakumbh held at Nashik, Maharashtra.

While 72-year-old Avtar Singh won three gold medals in 30, 50 and 60 km distances, Inderjeet Singh (62) won as many silver medals covering similar distances on Thursday afternoon. Both are Jamshedpur-based and had gearing up for the Nashik event with all seriousness. Avtar, an international cyclist who worksout to stay fit, competed in the above 70 age group, while Inderjeet was part of the above 60 group at the Khel Mahakumbh.

"I was determined to prove my mettle in Nashik. Inderjeet and I trained regularly on the Marine Drive in Jamshedpur. The gold medals have proved that I am still fit to participate in any competition," Avtar, who led the Indian cycling team in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and is a former 7-time national champion, said over phone from Nashik.

Avtar had purchased a new light-weight imported racing cycle from Dubai last week for the Nashik meet. The all-carbon cycle came at Rs 2.5 lakh and weighs 7 kg. "Yes, the new cycle helped me. The weight of the equipment really helped. I think it was a wise decision to travel to Dubai to get the cycle," Avtar said. Besides cycling, Avtar is religiously involved in improving the lives of of intellectually impaired. He, along with his wife Sukhdeep Kaur, runs Jeevika, a Jamshedpur-based NGO which promotes special athletes. He has produced 10 athletes who have won medals in international competitions organised under the aegis of Special Olympics International.

Avtar will also compete in javelin and shot put competitions in Nashik on the concluding day on Friday. Inderjeet, general secretary of Takht Harminder Patna Sahib's managing committee, is also a former international pedal star and is a fitness fanatic.