On May 18, 2025, the Fit India Movement, in collaboration with CBIC-GST, hosted the Sundays on Cycle event, a nationwide initiative to promote fitness and celebrate eight years of GST. Spearheaded by actor and fitness icon Suniel Shetty, the event united thousands across India in a vibrant push for health, community, and cleaner air. Shetty’s powerful message, “Wellness is far cheaper than illness,” resonated with participants, emphasizing the need for daily fitness to combat lifestyle diseases.
A Nationwide Celebration of Fitness
The Sundays on Cycle event brought together eminent celebrities, Olympians, chess grandmasters, and fitness icons to inspire a fitter India. In Mumbai, Suniel Shetty joined cyclists at the GST Commissionerate, reinforcing that fitness is a lifestyle choice, not a one-day effort. In Thiruvananthapuram, Olympians Ms. Jisna Mathew (Rio 2016), Shri M.P. Jabir (Tokyo 2020), and Ms. Anu Raghavan (Asian Games medalist) flagged off the event, motivating over 200 participants. The peloton was led by India’s top cyclists, including Ms. Pooja Danole, Ms. Dhanyadha JP, Ms. Srimathi J, Ms. Rejiya Devi, and Ms. Niraimathi J, all decorated national and international medalists. Their presence highlighted the importance of sustained effort in fitness, aligning with the event’s marathon-like approach to wellness.Delhi’s Dynamic Fitness Extravaganza
In New Delhi, the event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium went beyond cycling, featuring Zumba, rope skipping, and yoga sessions. Chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev, fresh from her 2024 Chess Olympiad gold medal win, energized the crowd, stating, “Fitness doesn’t need fancy equipment—just willpower and discipline.” She emphasized that stamina is crucial even in cerebral sports like chess, making cycling a key part of her routine. The event’s inclusivity was evident as it was held across SAI Regional Centres, Khelo India Centres, and CBIC-GST centres nationwide, transforming public spaces into wellness hubs.Key Figures and Their Messages
The initiative saw strong support from policymakers and celebrities: - Shri Shashank Priya, Special Secretary and Member, CBIC GST, highlighted the collaboration’s message: “Fitness is for everyone—not just athletes.” He stressed the need for better food habits and less sugar to combat obesity and heart disease. - Celebrities like Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Dara Singh amplified the campaign on social media. Mahadevan’s call, “Fit Hum, Toh Fit India,” inspired widespread participation. Since its launch in December 2024, Sundays on Cycle has reached over 3 lakh citizens across 5,500+ locations, making it a true people’s movement.Impact and Future Goals
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of a healthier India by promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and environmental sustainability. By encouraging daily fitness and healthier eating habits, it addresses pressing issues like lifestyle diseases and obesity. The event’s scale and celebrity endorsements have sparked a social media buzz, redefining how Indians approach fitness.| Key Locations | Highlights | Notable Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Cycling at GST Commissionerate | Suniel Shetty |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Flagged off by Olympians | Jisna Mathew, M.P. Jabir, Anu Raghavan |
| New Delhi | Cycling, Zumba, Yoga at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium | Tania Sachdev |
Key Highlights of Fit India Sundays on Cycle
- Held on May 18, 2025, to mark eight years of GST and promote fitness nationwide.
- Led by Suniel Shetty, with Olympians, cyclists, and Tania Sachdev inspiring participants.
- Reached 3 lakh citizens across 5,500+ locations since December 2024.
- Promoted daily fitness, healthier eating, and environmental sustainability.
- Supported by celebrities like Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, and Shankar Mahadevan.