Hemanth and Swetha, together with their respective Captains, have been training regularly at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, covering approximately 25–30 kilometres every Sunday. Tandem cycling requires close coordination between the visually impaired cyclist and the Captain, with communication, rhythm, balance and mutual trust playing a central role throughout the ride.
The regular training has helped the participants prepare for the demands of a longer organised cycling event while also creating an environment in which athletes and Captains can develop the teamwork needed for safe and confident participation.
Hemanth HKM Brings Endurance Experience to Tandem Cycling
Hemanth HKM, a visually impaired athlete associated with YASHAS Para Sports Academy, comes to the cycling event with substantial endurance-sport experience. He has completed four full marathons, seven half marathons, 21 10K races and three 5K races, covering more than 500 kilometres across organised running events.
His participation at L’Étape Mysuru marks a new chapter in that sporting journey. Moving from long-distance running into tandem cycling gives Hemanth an opportunity to explore another discipline while bringing the endurance, consistency and race experience developed through years of running.
Swetha T Expands Her Sporting Journey
Swetha T, also a visually impaired athlete, has established herself in para athletics. At the 34th State Para Athletics Championship 2026 in Karnataka, she won a Silver Medal in the 400 metres and a Bronze Medal in Shot Put in the visually impaired category.
Her participation in L’Étape Mysuru adds tandem cycling to her competitive sporting experience. The transition illustrates how athletes with disabilities can explore multiple disciplines when training opportunities, guidance and participation platforms are made available.
Building Wider Pathways Through YASHAS Para Sports Academy
YASHAS Para Sports Academy (R) works to identify, train and support visually impaired and para athletes through regular sporting opportunities and competition-focused preparation. Its current activities include Goalball, swimming for visually impaired athletes, tandem cycling and athletics, alongside other inclusive sports programmes.
The Academy’s approach centres on consistent training, community participation and connections with volunteers, Captains and supporters. By creating opportunities to compete and train, it aims to help athletes progress towards state, national and international-level sporting opportunities and pursue their wider sporting ambitions.
Affectionate Hands Strengthens the Inclusion Network
Affectionate Hands, founded by Mohammed Suhaib, has also been supporting inclusive activities involving visually impaired athletes. Suhaib has supported visually impaired champions for the past four years by running alongside them in marathons, taking them trekking and participating in inclusive programmes with YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Guide Runners India.
He has also received four International Awards for his short documentary on the graffiti clean-up at Dhanushkodi Rock, Melukote, and was honoured with the Visionary Leadership Award for setting up libraries at Melukote. His involvement reflects a broader focus on community-led initiatives that connect sport, volunteering and social participation.
A Collective Effort Behind the Mysuru Participation
The participation of Hemanth and Swetha has involved support from a wider group of individuals associated with inclusive sport. YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Affectionate Hands have acknowledged Reet D’Souza from NEB Sports, Manjunath Nagaraj, Meera Ashok, Dr. Bhumika Patel, Founder of Guide Runners India, and its members for their continued support and encouragement.
Such collaborations are particularly relevant to tandem cycling, where athletes depend on trained Captains, regular practice and a supportive sporting environment. The collective effort demonstrates how participation can become possible when organisations, volunteers and event stakeholders work together.
A Step Towards More Inclusive Mainstream Sport
The participation of visually impaired cyclists at L’Étape Mysuru 2026 highlights the importance of bringing athletes with disabilities into mainstream sporting spaces. For Hemanth and Swetha, the 20 km ride offers competitive exposure and an opportunity to extend their sporting experiences beyond their established disciplines.
For YASHAS Para Sports Academy and Affectionate Hands, the initiative reflects a continuing effort to create practical opportunities rather than limiting para-sport participation to specialised events. With regular training, appropriate support and access to competitions, visually impaired athletes can continue to develop skills, confidence and experience across different sporting disciplines.
