Island Girl, National Speed: IS Bridney Smashes Cycling Record
From a coconut farmer's daughter in Car Nicobar to a national record holder, discover IS Bridney's inspiring journey in track cycling.
Every champion has a story that begins long before they step onto the podium. For 16-year-old IS Bridney, that story is written in the sands of Car Nicobar and the determination of a girl who refused to let the boundaries of a remote island limit her speed. At the 78th senior, 55th junior, and 41st sub-junior nationals track cycling championships held in Khelgaon, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Bridney didn't just win gold—she rewrote the history books.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Competing in the sub-junior girls' 500m Individual Time Trial on November 3, 2026, Bridney delivered a breathtaking performance. She clocked a time of 37.479 seconds, shattering the previous national record of 38.700 seconds. The record she broke was held by Trisha Paul, a seasoned athlete who has medalled at the Asian Cup and Asian Track Cycling Championships.
Reflecting on the moment, Bridney told SAI Media, "I was in good shape during my training under coach Vishwajit Balkrishna Sutar at SAI, Car Nicobar. I was expecting to perform well, but I never thought of the national record. I just tried to perform at my best."
From Coconut Groves to the Velodrome
Bridney's journey began in Kinyuka village, Car Nicobar, where she grew up in a modest household. Her father, Ruther, supports the family through coconut farming and the sale of copra, while her mother, Junia, manages the home. For a family reliant on traditional farming, the path to professional sports is rarely a paved one, but her parents remained steadfast in their support of her ambitions.
Interestingly, cycling wasn't Bridney's first love. She initially showed a keen interest in football and the 100-metre sprint. However, her life changed in November 2022 during selection trials, where her raw potential was spotted by coach Vishwajit Balkrishna Sutar. Recognizing a natural talent for speed and endurance, Sutar introduced her to cycling, leading to her induction into the SAI Training Centre in Car Nicobar in 2023.
Overcoming Geographical Barriers
The road to the national record was fraught with infrastructural challenges. The STC Car Nicobar lacked a cycling velodrome and the competition-standard equipment essential for high-level athletes. However, Coach Sutar refused to let these gaps hinder Bridney's progress.
In a remarkable display of mentorship, Sutar took personal initiative to source professional gear. He coordinated with his former trainees in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and Thiruvananthapuram to ensure Bridney had the equipment necessary to compete with the best in the country.
A System of Support
While grassroots effort provided the spark, institutional support provided the fuel. The SAI NCOE Kolkata stepped in to strengthen Bridney's training ecosystem, offering critical financial, administrative, and technical assistance. This collaboration ensured that a talented athlete from a remote region had access to:
- Specialized training camps in Ranchi and Thiruvananthapuram.
- Professional nutritional awareness sessions.
- High-level technical guidance from expert coaches.
A Rising Star
The national record in Ranchi is the latest jewel in Bridney's crown. Her rise has been consistent, marked by previous gold medals at the National Track Cycling Championship in Chennai (2024-25) and a victory in the Team Sprint event at the School National Championships in Ranchi.
Bridney's ascent from a small village in the Nicobar Islands to the pinnacle of national track cycling serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when raw talent meets relentless perseverance and a supportive ecosystem.