For Melbourne sisters Charvi and Paravi Tanksale, cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a passion that fuels their competitive spirits and strengthens their bond. As they prepare to don the Victorian colours at the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships in Brisbane from March 22-26, their journey stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance.
Charvi, representing Victoria for the third consecutive year, moves up to the Under-17 women’s category after two years of success in the Under-15s.
Paravi, meanwhile, makes her national debut as a first-year Under-15 rider, a moment she describes as both exhilarating and daunting.
“I am really excited to be part of the Victorian team and represent my state at the Track Nationals 2025, but I am also nervous since this is my first time at the National Championships and I don’t know what to expect,” says Paravi.
“The competition will be fierce. I just want to enjoy this experience and take it as a learning opportunity.”
Despite her nerves, Paravi hopes to inspire younger riders to take up cycling.
“To the 8-10-year-olds who are thinking about getting into the sport, I would just like to say—don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy riding with your friends and family and have fun with it.”
For Charvi, who has already established herself as a formidable force on the track, this season is about refining her approach and focusing on long-term goals. The Wesley College student, who won bronze at the 2024 AusCycling Junior Track Nationals, has her sights set on representing Australia on the international stage.
“My first two track nationals were tough, but you learn so much about racing and preparing mentally,” she explains.
“Now, I focus on the process, not just the result, as I work towards my dream of racing internationally and one day competing in the Olympics.”
Balancing elite sport with academics is no easy feat, but Charvi has learned to adapt.
“I train most days of the month and hit the gym at least twice a week. It’s challenging, but I love the exposure, the travel, and the friendships I’ve made in the cycling world.”
Her journey into competitive cycling began unexpectedly. Although she had been riding since childhood, it was during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2021 that she truly fell in love with the sport. A road-safety program introduced her to the DISC Velodrome in Thornbury, where she took her first steps into track cycling. Within months, she was racing competitively for Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club.
“Cycling became my escape,” she recalls.
“I quickly realised that I wanted to pursue it seriously.”
Charvi and Paravi’s dedication is supported by her parents, Akshat and Sonika, both university professors in Melbourne. “It started as a hobby, but we saw her potential and are happy to support her journey,” says Akshat.
“Cycling is primarily a European-dominated sport, but Australia provides excellent opportunities for young athletes.”
Like many elite athletes, Charvi has faced challenges, including crashes and setbacks. However, she finds motivation in stories like that of Sarah Gigante, Alyssa Polites and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who overcame injuries and difficulties to claim victories.
“I too had crashed twice just before the National Championship, but remembering her story kept me going.”
As the 2025 Track Nationals approach, Charvi remains focused on incremental progress.
“Maybe the Olympics are in my future, but right now, I’m just working on getting better at my sport, setting short-term goals, and pushing myself to improve.”
Paravi, still at the start of her competitive journey, shares a similar mindset.
“I just want to give my best, enjoy the moment, and keep learning.”
With talent, determination, and an unwavering support system, the Tanksale sisters are undoubtedly on the fast track to success.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
