The Target Asian Games Group athlete handled pressure with aplomb and put up her best performance in KIYG 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her top-of-the-podium finish in the 500m Time Trial, 7.5km Scratch Race and 2km Individual Pursuit on KIYG debut not only became the highlight of the ongoing Games but also reflected the sheer discipline and the love for cycling in the Jakhar family.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harshita\u2019s medal rush couldn\u2019t have been fueled without her father-coach Rakesh Jakhar\u2019s support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A former cyclist who competed in the Commonwealth Games 2010 and a qualified coach from NIS Patiala, Rakesh, is the reason Harshita took to the sport. \u201cShe has always won nothing less than gold at the national championships,\u201d Rakesh, 42, told SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harshita\u2019s cycling journey began in August 2020, when Rakesh asked Harshita and her younger cousin Aditya to start cycling on the roads of Patiala. What began as a simple morning activity revealed Harshita\u2019s natural endurance. \u201cI noticed they could cycle 30\u201340 km without breaking a sweat. That\u2019s when I realised Harshita had the potential to go far,\u201d Rakesh said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
By 2021, Harshita topped her first trials in Bikaner in the U-14 category and was immediately drafted into the national setup. She quickly claimed gold in successive Nationals in Mumbai and Hyderabad, and her breakthrough on the international stage came with a silver and two bronze medals at the 2024 U-18 Asian Championships in Delhi. She is now a part of the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Patiala.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rakesh believes his daughter\u2019s success is built on an unmatched work ethic. \u201cShe is very devoted to training. Her endurance is God-gifted. She trains with discipline, follows the process, and never says no to even the most gruelling regimes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShe has a belief in her coach and mental strength to match. Our Rajasthani roots give us a natural edge in endurance\u2014we just need to channel it. I have helped her do just that,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harshita credits her father\u2019s continuous support in shaping her career. \u201cWhatever I am is because of my father\u2019s dedication. It is because of him that I\u2019m into cycling. During the lockdown, he pushed me every single day. He always believed I could bring medals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With three gold here and a promising record in the junior circuit, Harshita is now setting her sights higher.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m transitioning into the senior category. My focus now is the World Championships, and I want to achieve strong finishes in both track and road events. My target is to be in the top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games and win an Asian Games medal in 2030,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harshita\u2019s younger siblings are also showing interest in the sport, inspired by their father and older sister.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m transitioning into the senior category. My focus now is the World Championships, and I want to achieve strong finishes in both track and road events. My target is to be in the top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games and win an Asian Games medal in 2030,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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