CISF’s coastal cyclothon to cover three Malabar districts

The ‘Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon’, a nation-wide coastal expedition organised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)) to promote coastal security, national unity, and public participation, will cover Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram districts on Friday (February 20, 2026) as part of its 25-day journey along India’s eastern and western shores.

The cyclothon, covering a total distance of 6,553 km, is being undertaken by around 120 participants, including 65 cyclists and other CISF personnel, divided into two teams traversing the eastern and western coasts. Both teams are scheduled to reach Kochi on Sunday (February 22, 2026) where the expedition will conclude with a closing ceremony.

The western coastal team will arrive at Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur at 7.30 a.m. on Friday. The team will then proceed to the Calicut International Airport, where the members will be accorded a formal reception and a flag-off ceremony.

Following the flag-off, the cyclists will cover nearly 30 km to reach Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal near Vadakara by 9 a.m. At Sargaalaya, the team will interact with fishermen, representatives of coastal development committees, NCC cadets, and children, underscoring the cyclothon’s focus on community engagement and coastal awareness.

According to CISF officers, the team will then proceed to the Government Fisheries Technical School at Tanur in Malappuram, where a reception has been arranged. The cyclists will interact with students and members of the fishing community. A friendly football match between the team and school students has also been scheduled as part of the outreach activities.

By 5 p.m., the team will reach Thunchan Memorial Research Centre at Tirur. A reception and cultural programme will be held there, featuring performances by students, NCC cadets, and CISF personnel from the Calicut airport. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman; Shankara Rao Byreddy, Commandant, CISF, Calicut Airport; Kurukoli Moideen, MLA; and representatives of Tirur municipality will address the event.

On Saturday, Malappuram District Collector V.R. Vinod will flag off the team as it resumes its journey towards Kochi, where the cyclothon will culminate on Sunday. CISF officers said the programme received warm participation and appreciation from all regions.