Vadodara, Jan 4 (NationPress) The start of the New Year has been marked by a positive and health-conscious event: the 55th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, taking place at 5000 locations across the country, spearheaded by Vadodara in collaboration with Swachhta Senanis and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of Gujarat.

The atmosphere in Vadodara transformed into a festive celebration as the event evolved into a fitness festival, with over 1000 participants from various age groups engaging in activities such as yoga, Zumba, badminton, and rope skipping.

The cycling event was formally launched at the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace by former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan and health and wellness coach Sapna Vyas. The event was also attended by Hon’ble Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, Asian Championship gold medalist Nandini Agasara, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu, DCP Zone 3 Abhishek Gupta, and DCP Zone 2 Majitha K. Vanzara, all of whom participated in the 4.5-kilometre ride.

Other distinguished guests included the Steel Man of India, multiple Guinness World Record holder Vispy Kharradi, and popular fitness coach Urvi Parwani.

The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF), led by Shikha Gupta, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat. This cycling initiative occurs concurrently in the capitals of all States and Union Territories, as well as at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), engaging various age demographics.

Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Vadodara, Hemang Joshi, commented: “Today marks a significant milestone for Vadodara as we launched the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign from the iconic Lukshmi Vilas Palace. People from all age groups, including children and seniors, participated in large numbers to support our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a healthier India. It was heartening to see everyone come together for cycling and other activities like yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping.

“I am thrilled to announce that such initiatives will help foster a fitness-oriented mindset in Vadodara and across Gujarat. I express my gratitude to Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for initiating this program. The public response has been tremendous, and I assure you that we will host this event weekly in Vadodara.”

Former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan, who has represented India in 21 Tests and 35 ODIs from 1993 to 1998, taking 76 international wickets, commended the initiative, stating: “I am honored to join the Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Vadodara, a remarkable movement by the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India. It was uplifting to witness the enthusiasm of both the elderly and youth on this chilly winter morning. I believe that everyone should participate in this movement to enhance their immunity and fitness through such initiatives. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing awareness of fitness and immunity, and I firmly believe that cycling is the most effective way to achieve fitness. It requires a one-time investment in a good cycle, enabling you not only to improve your fitness but also to contribute to environmental cleanliness and reduce air pollution.”

Nandini Agasara, who clinched bronze in the heptathlon at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed her enthusiasm for being part of this significant initiative.

“I take great pride in being part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement. It was exhilarating to see both young and older participants filled with energy and engaging in various physical activities, including Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping. I encourage everyone to be part of this movement and dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour daily to their fitness and well-being,” said Nandini, who is also an athlete under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.

Launched by Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has blossomed into a widespread movement that promotes fitness, environmental cleanliness, and sustainability, with over 22 lakh participants across more than 2 lakh locations.

In previous editions, the cycling event featured participation from Indian Army personnel, CRPF, ITBP, the Goods & Services Tax Council, PSUs, the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and renowned sports personalities such as The Great Khali, Lovlina Borgohain, Priyanka Goswami, Rani Rampal, Rodali Barua, Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Mangal Singh Champia, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, and Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar, Manisha Ramadass, Rubina Francis, and para world champion Simran Sharma.

Prominent celebrities such as Ayushmann Khurana, Rohit Shetty, Saiyami Kher, Sharvari, Amit Sial, Rahul Bose, Madhurima Tuli, Mia Maelzer, and Gul Panag have also shown their support for this initiative, earning them the title of ‘Fit India Icon’.