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New Delhi – Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Tuesday flagged off the ‘Fit India Cycling Drive’ at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, rallying close to 500 cycling enthusiasts for a 3-km ride from the National Stadium to Raisina Hills and back. The event aimed to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation and align with the vision of a fitter and healthier India.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of fitness in achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of independence. “We have to make Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat a reality,” he said. “It is pertinent that we become a healthy and fit nation.”
The launch event saw the presence of Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MP Tejasvi Surya, and prominent athletes, including Paris Paralympics bronze medallist Simran Sharma, Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist Preeti Pawar.
Highlighting the environmental and health benefits of cycling, Dr. Mandaviya announced that the initiative, originally conceptualized as “Fit India Cycling Tuesdays,” will now take place on Sundays under the name “Sundays on Cycle.” This move aims to ensure greater participation by making the weekly event more convenient for cycling enthusiasts.
“Doctors, journalists, teachers, corporate professionals, and youth will join for an hour-long cycling ride on Sundays, not only in New Delhi but across the country,” Dr. Mandaviya said. “Cycling gives a big boost to the environment, is the solution to pollution, and also contributes to sustainability.”
The event was held simultaneously in over 1,000 locations nationwide as part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Fit India Movement, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various sports authorities.
According to an official statement, the drive witnessed participation from more than 50,000 people, including renowned athletes across India. Notable figures such as two-time Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil in NCOE Rohtak, Paris Paralympics gold medallist Navdeep in NCOE Gandhinagar, former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, Olympian shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and javelin thrower Annu Rani in Patiala were among those leading regional events.
Cycling events were organized at regional Sports Authority of India centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), further amplifying the message of fitness and sustainability across the nation.
The ‘Fit India Cycling Drive’ marks another milestone in the government’s efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle while addressing pressing environmental concerns through a simple yet impactful activity.
