‘Sundays on Cycle’ Inspires Nationwide Fitness
Describing the initiative, Dr. Mandaviya said, “Cycling is not just about exercise, it is about reconnecting with our roots. The spirit of Garv se Swadeshi must inspire us to embrace indigenous ways of staying fit and strong, while building a healthier and more confident Bharat.” The event marked the final day of a three-day Jan-Andolan of sports, celebrating Major Dhyan Chand’s 120th birth anniversary.
Over 10,000 locations across 700 districts participated in cycling rallies, playground sports, and indigenous competitions. More than 3,000 Namo Fit India Clubs joined in, reinforcing the message of fitness, sustainability, and community engagement. States and Union Territories organized parallel events with eminent athletes and public representatives joining citizens in large numbers.
Participation Across India
From the Himalayan valleys to coastal towns, India pedalled together on National Sports Day. In Haryana, CM Nayab Singh Saini cycled with 2,500 participants in Kurukshetra. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma joined over 1,000 enthusiasts, while MPs and dignitaries across the country participated in similar events. Mumbai hosted a special edition at Borivali National Park, attended by Union MoS Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Bollywood veteran Jackie Shroff.
Jackie Shroff emphasized the importance of exercise for children, citing PM Narendra Modi’s Fit India initiative. Trupti Murgunde, Dhyan Chand Awardee and former badminton player, called the campaign “fantastic” and highlighted the growth of sports culture in India.
Activities and Highlights
The stadium was buzzing with early morning Zumba sessions, yoga, skipping, fitness games, and the flag-off of 11 young mountaineering girls bound for Mt. Everest after training in Manali. Cyclists who travelled from Prayagraj to Delhi were felicitated. Parallel events in Bengaluru, Jagatpur, and Cuttack involved Paralympians Ankur Dhama and Ravi Rangoli, promoting inclusivity in sports.
Since its inception, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement has reached over seven lakh individuals across more than 40,000 locations nationwide. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat.
