The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi transformed into a vibrant hub of fitness and inspiration this Sunday morning, as the latest edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle brought together 750 enthusiastic participants. From teachers and athletes to Fit India influencers and fitness lovers, the event was a true celebration of health and community spirit.
A Star-Studded Cycling Extravaganza
Leading the charge was Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who pedaled alongside Union Sports Secretary, Sh. Hari Ranjan Rao. They were joined by an inspiring lineup of national icons, including:
- Ravi Dahiya, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist
- Deepak Punia, Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist
- Rohtash Chaudhary, Guinness World Record holder (Push-up Man of India)
- Narender Kumar, renowned mountaineer who recently conquered Mount Annapurna in a record 12 days
Cycling with Teachers: This Week’s Theme
With the theme ‘Cycling with Teachers’, the event saw enthusiastic participation from educators, mentors, and academic coaches from schools, universities, and private institutes across Delhi. The initiative aimed to inspire teachers to lead by example and promote physical fitness among students.
“Teachers are the heroes for our students and now, you have to become heroes for Viksit Bharat. You all can make cycling a fashion, and I urge all teachers to restart using cycles themselves and ask students to emulate the same. We are in the digital age, but we need to improve our physical fitness. This will ensure the mission of ‘Fight Against Obesity’ and the vision of Fit India and Viksit Bharat, which our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has laid down, takes shape,” said Dr. Mandaviya.
Powerful Partnerships Driving the Movement
The event was organized in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various State Governments. Special partners included:
- Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI)
- Delhi University
- CBSE and CISCE boards
- Kendriya Vidyalaya
- National Progressive School Conference
- National Forensic Sciences University
- Yogasana India
- Indian Rope Skipping Foundation
Inspiring Words from Sporting Legends
Wrestling stars Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia motivated the crowd to embrace fitness as a way of life.
“This is a very important movement started by our government to ensure physical fitness is given thorough attention. ‘Sharir is shaktimaan’ (your body is the mightiest thing), and keeping this mantra in mind, everyone everyone should cycle at least 1-2 hours a day,” said Ravi Dahiya.
Deepak Punia, who narrowly missed a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, added:
“I truly appreciate this movement as a commendable initiative, and I believe everyone should take up cycling as it promotes fitness and contributes to a pollution-free India.”
A Mountaineer’s Perspective on Fitness
Narender Kumar, fresh from his record-breaking Mount Annapurna expedition, shared his thoughts on the importance of consistent fitness efforts:
“I believe cycling is a great start to better health. Sundays on Cycle seems like a perfect way to promote that. For me, climbing Annapurna was undoubtedly difficult, but what made it possible was consistent efforts towards fitness. This movement also gives out that message.”
A Nationwide Fitness Revolution
Since its launch in December 2024, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has seen remarkable success, with 2.5 lakh participants across 5000 locations nationwide. From the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep, the movement has reached every corner of the country. Events are held simultaneously at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres, SAI Extension Centres, Khelo India Centres (KICs), and Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs).
Join the Movement!
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is more than just a cycling event—it’s a movement to inspire healthier lifestyles and a fitter India. Whether you’re a teacher, student, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, grab your cycle and join the revolution!
Stay tuned to GKboard.in for more updates on Fit India initiatives and events near you!