New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya spearheaded the recent edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle (SOC)’, a national campaign focused on fostering fitness and promoting healthy living among the populace, in New Delhi on Sunday.

This week’s collaboration featured medical professionals, highlighting the vital importance of preventive health and the necessity of physical activity in addressing lifestyle diseases like obesity.

Commending their efforts, Mandaviya remarked, "As the Health Minister during the Covid pandemic, I witnessed the unwavering commitment of doctors and healthcare workers; their contributions to our nation are unmatched, and I want to express my gratitude for joining Sundays on Cycle to advocate for fitness.

"I also encourage you to lead citizens towards healthier lifestyles because when a doctor speaks on health matters, people tend to listen. Whether it's the battle against obesity, a vision shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, or the advocacy for cycling, which we champion through Sundays on Cycle, your message will resonate with every Indian," he continued.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from individuals across various age groups, including World Para Athletics Championship (WPAC) medalists Praveen Kumar, Soman Rana, and Sailesh Kumar, who joined to motivate the public towards an active lifestyle.

Mandaviya emphasized how Sundays on Cycle has emerged as one of India’s prominent fitness movements, stating, “Today, Sundays on Cycle is organized in over 10,000 locations across the country, where doctors are actively participating in the fight against obesity. SOC takes place even in the most remote areas of India every Sunday to promote the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

"It is essential that citizens prioritize their fitness. A healthy body and mind are the foundation of a robust nation. Cycling is the simplest exercise that anyone can adopt. I also urge everyone to support Swadeshi products for their sports and fitness needs,” he added.

Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Praveen remarked, “Exercise enhances focus, which is crucial for achieving goals. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, and I am thrilled to participate in this event that encourages individuals to take control of their health.”

Commending the SOC initiative, Sailesh Kumar remarked, “The government's effort to promote fitness among citizens is admirable. Each individual should dedicate at least one hour daily to fitness for both physical and mental wellness. I am delighted to have participated in this event today. The excitement among participants signifies that Indians are embracing fitness seriously.”

The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative encourages communities to unite every Sunday to cycle, exercise, and partake in fitness activities outdoors.

In addition to cycling, the event includes various fitness activities such as Zumba, Rope Skipping, and Yogasana, designed to accommodate all age groups, including participating cyclists who engage in these activities as warm-ups before the ride.

The involvement of health professionals in this Sunday’s event underscores the message that preventive health starts with daily actions and that fitness is the initial step towards realizing the vision of a healthier, stronger, and more resilient India.

Across its 44 editions, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has seen extensive participation from over 100,000 locations nationwide, engaging more than 1.25 million individuals.

On Sunday, events were also held at venues like SAI NCOE Guwahati, STC Chhattisgarh, SAI STC Alleppey, SAI NSRC Kolkata, SAI STC Dharamshala, and more. Events are conducted from State and Union Territory capitals to Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).