Fit India Sundays on Cycle Celebrates 65th Edition Nationwide
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) The 65th installment of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was marked with remarkable zeal across the nation, taking place in over 5000 venues and connecting the country's diverse landscapes—from the seas and mountains to deserts and forests—under one unified initiative. More than 300 Fit India Champions and Ambassadors, along with esteemed dignitaries, spearheaded the cycling event, which spanned locations from Kokrajhar in Odisha to Badal in Punjab and Alleppey down South.
In Patna, the vibrant Sports Minister of Bihar, Shreyashi Singh, participated in the Sundays on Cycle, leading by example. Meanwhile, in Assam, Rima Trisha Haloi, an assistant commissioner and accomplished MMA fighter, who had recently recovered from an injury, rejoined her fitness routine by taking part in this event.
The key gathering of the 65th edition was held in New Delhi, attracting over 10,000 participants. On that Sunday morning, Connaught Place radiated a festive atmosphere as Fit India's flagship initiative was organized in partnership with Raahgiri Foundation, celebrating the revival of Raahgiri Day.
This special edition invited individuals of all ages—from toddlers aged 3 to seniors in their 70s—to engage in diverse fitness activities like Rope Skipping, Zumba, Yogasana, and various fun games, culminating in a cycling journey around CP.
The event, dedicated to Consumer Rights, was attended by the Honorable Home Minister of Delhi, Ashish Sood, along with notable guests including ex-IAF Pilot and fitness expert Captain Akshay Chopra, Prateek Kundial, a Master Trainer and Zumba Instructor; Neelam, a gold medallist at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championship; Priya Malik, also a gold medallist at the 2024 U23 Asian Championship; and Mayank Srivastava, DDG of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
“Initiatives like Raahgiri Day and Sundays On Cycle are pivotal for a healthier and safer Delhi. By promoting walking, cycling, and the use of public transport, these movements not only enhance road safety but also contribute to reducing air pollution and fostering a culture of sustainable mobility. Clean air is a shared responsibility, and these community-driven initiatives form an essential part of the solution. I encourage everyone here to adopt this as a regular practice,” emphasized Sood.
The special guests cycling alongside fitness enthusiasts echoed the sentiment that events like these are crucial in an age where reliance on gadgets and technology has diminished physical activity.
“Caring for our bodies is our foremost duty as human beings. A fit body is essential for achieving anything,” stated Neelam. “It's uplifting to see so many people dedicating their Sunday morning to this community fitness event. There is a noticeable shift in the attitude towards fitness, but regular participation is key,” added Akshay Chopra, who inaugurated the event.
With backing from essential organizations focused on health, mobility, public safety, and the environment, the event reiterated that fitness transcends individual ambition; it is a collective movement that starts on our streets and within our communities.
Mayank Srivastava, DDG of SAI, remarked, “Fit India is more than a campaign; it is a movement aimed at cultivating a healthier, stronger, and more active nation. Launched by our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Fit India Movement serves as a catalyst for integrating fitness into daily life. The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative, started by the Honourable Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2024, exemplifies how public spaces can inspire community engagement in fitness.”
Sarika Panda Bhatt, Founder & Trustee of Raahgiri Foundation and Director at Nagarro, stated: “Raahgiri Day has always aimed to reclaim streets for the community. This special ‘Sundays on Cycle’ edition with Fit India celebrates fitness while reminding us that cleaner air and safer streets are interconnected. When people cycle, walk, and gather in lively and secure environments, they experience a healthier and more joyful city. Once again, Delhi’s streets transformed into vibrant spaces filled with energy, engagement, and community spirit.”
The event also benefited from the participation of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), NDMC, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Police, and Nagarro. A unique awareness segment by I4C emphasized the significance of cyber safety and cybercrime awareness among youth and families, adding an educational layer to the day’s festivities.
Through a lively morning at one of Delhi’s most bustling public areas, Raahgiri Day and Fit India Sundays on Cycle showcased the transformative potential of our streets when designed with people in mind.
By merging movement, community, and public space, this event reinforced that cycling and walking are not only beneficial for personal fitness but also crucial for lowering pollution levels, alleviating congestion, and fostering cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.