New Delhi, Feb 22 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's swift progress towards establishing itself as a sports powerhouse, renowned athletes Rupinder Pal Singh and Rohit Tokas conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for the nation being awarded the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a significant return after a 20-year hiatus.

Rupinder Pal Singh, a member of the Indian hockey team that secured an Olympic bronze medal after 40 years during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, noted that the extensive support from the Government of India and the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and various National Sports Federations (NSFs) have played a crucial role in securing the hosting rights for this prestigious multi-sport event. He believes this will significantly contribute to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India hosting the Summer Olympics in 2036.

“The Commonwealth Games returning to India after two decades is monumental news for all Indian athletes. This achievement is a result of the united efforts of the Modi government, the Sports Ministry, IOA, and national federations. I was not yet on the international scene when India hosted the CWG back in 2010, and for the athletes who will compete and aim for medals in front of their home crowd, this is an unforgettable opportunity,” Rupinder Pal Singh shared with SAI Media after leading a significant group of cyclists during the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

“Hockey and shooting have been excluded from the Commonwealth Games since the Birmingham edition, where India historically achieved significant medal success. I believe these sports will return in 2030, further motivating our athletes. Overall, this is wonderful news for all sportspeople in India,” he added.

The 62nd installment of the cycling initiative was held at over 1,000 locations nationwide in partnership with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), coinciding with their 75th-anniversary celebration.

Rupinder was accompanied by Ashok Kumar Singh (IAS), Director General of ESIC, Mayank Srivastava (IPS), Deputy Director General of Khelo India, alongside Fit India champions Tanvee Tutlani and Atul Jindal.

Highlighting the advantages of maintaining an active lifestyle, Rupinder remarked, "It was uplifting to see over 500 individuals cycling with me at the IG Stadium today. The primary goal of the Fit India movement is to inspire citizens to dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour for their personal fitness, which is crucial given the rising incidence of lifestyle-related health issues. I encourage everyone to incorporate fitness into their daily routines or engage in some form of physical activity to stay healthy. I also extend my congratulations to ESIC for 75 years of exemplary service.”

Rohit Tokas, who earned a bronze medal in boxing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, stated that the 2030 Commonwealth Games will significantly boost sports infrastructure development and inspire more young individuals to pursue sports as a career.

“It’s incredibly encouraging for us athletes that the Commonwealth Games are returning to India in just four years. Competing in front of a home crowd and hearing their cheers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any athlete. It’s a goosebump moment. Boxers have consistently excelled in the Commonwealth Games, and I am confident we will achieve even better results in 2030 in Gujarat. Hosting such a major event leads to the development of sports infrastructure, as we witnessed during the Delhi 2010 edition. This inspires more youth to engage in sports,” Rohit Tokas told SAI Media.

“Participating in the Fit India Sundays on Cycle has been an incredible experience for me, especially with the vibrant atmosphere and energy from so many people engaging in yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping. I urge everyone to emulate the discipline of athletes and make fitness a core part of their lives. If unable to go out, they can practice yoga or Zumba at home,” he added.

Launched by Dr. Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle promotes fitness, environmental awareness, and sustainable mobility. This initiative has transformed into a nationwide movement, engaging over 2.5 million citizens across more than 200,000 locations.

Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, Rope Skipping Team, and MY Bharat. The cycling initiative occurs simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).