Dr. Mandaviya Leads Cycling Rally
The event was led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who emphasized the connection between physical health and leadership. Speaking at the event, he said, “A healthy body is the foundation of strong leadership. Cycling teaches us powerful leadership lessons it tells us when to pedal fast, when to slow down, and most importantly, how to maintain balance to keep moving forward in life.”
Joining him were sports legends including tennis icon Leander Paes, badminton maestro Pullela Gopichand, and rising international wrestler Shivani Pawar, who encouraged participants to embrace community fitness.
Young Leaders Take the Spotlight
The 500 delegates participating in the four-day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue became the special focus of the SoC event. The initiative aims to nurture young talent aspiring to enter public life. Their participation underlined the importance of integrating fitness into leadership training and nation-building efforts.
Gopichand praised the Minister’s dedication, stating, “It is motivating to see a Minister not just promoting fitness but also leading the movement personally. Participating after a demanding week exemplifies true commitment to a Fit India.”
Community Fitness and Inspiration
Leander Paes highlighted the social aspect of fitness: “No one can achieve fitness alone. Being part of a community motivates us and strengthens both body and mind. This nationwide initiative is truly phenomenal.” The event also included Zumba, yoga, Mallakhamb, and rope-skipping performances, creating a festive atmosphere and encouraging attendees of all ages to engage in healthy activity.
Parallel Events Across India
Simultaneously, cities like Bhopal hosted large-scale events with participation from Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang, actress Payal Rohatgi, and Olympian judoka Garima Choudhary. Rohatgi emphasized the long-term benefits of promoting fitness, saying, “Events like Sundays on Cycle can inspire a healthier population and foster future sportspersons and Olympians.”
The Bhopal event reinforced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Fit India, Hit India”, demonstrating government commitment to nationwide wellness initiatives. Cricketer Aniket Umashankar Verma, junior hockey player Abdul Ahad, footballer Vishal Joon, and canoe sprint athlete Jaspreet Singh also participated, motivating citizens and young leaders alike.
Fit India Movement Strengthens National Goals
The 56th SoC edition dedicated to young leaders emphasized that physical fitness is integral to leadership and nation-building. The initiative continues to expand through collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, My Bharat, and Fit India Cycling Clubs, spreading awareness across 15,000 locations nationwide.
With such events, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is steadily becoming more than a fitness program it is a national movement linking health, leadership, and civic responsibility.
