New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) When world boxing champion Meenakshi Hooda arrived at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium early on Sunday, she was welcomed by hundreds of cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and families eager to ride together in the spirit of health and community.

“I feel incredibly joyful to be here today,” she stated. “Just as I maintain my fitness through boxing, it’s crucial for every woman, particularly housewives and girls who may not engage in sports, to prioritize their health. They often become so engrossed in their daily tasks that they neglect their own well-being. This initiative serves as a reminder that fitness can be simple, enjoyable, and accessible to all.”

Her sentiments beautifully encapsulated the essence of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, now in its 45th edition. What started in December 2024 with around 500 participants in Delhi and 1,000 locations across the nation has evolved into a vibrant public movement, uniting over 50,000 individuals weekly at more than 6,000 venues.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, has emerged as a flagship community fitness campaign under the Fit India Movement. It embodies the principle of “Aadha Ghanta Roz – Fitness Ka Dose,” encouraging citizens to dedicate 30 minutes each day to their physical health.

The growing influence of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was highlighted in the 117th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, where he commended how citizens from various backgrounds come together every Sunday to celebrate health, joy, and togetherness through fitness.

Under the leadership of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the initiative has transformed into a true Jan Andolan for fitness, attracting new groups and communities each week.

Participants have included Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), doctors, teachers, government employees, schoolchildren, and public representatives, among others. These diverse groups span various professions and generations, helping the campaign reach every corner of the country, turning local streets and parks into vibrant spaces of energy and camaraderie.

Over time, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has garnered participation and support from many renowned athletes, actors, and fitness icons who have joined citizens both on the track and social media to advocate for the cause.

Notable personalities such as The Great Khali, Jackie Shroff, Ayesha Shroff, Rahul Bose, Sharvari Wagh, Madhurima Tuli, Mia Maelzer, Amit Sial, along with eminent athletes like Yogeshwar Dutt, Harmanpreet Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Sumit Antil, Navdeep, Rani Rampal, Salima Tete, and Lovlina Borgohain have participated in various editions across cities, infusing their energy and influence into the movement.

This Sunday’s special edition featured leading fitness chains that united to amplify the movement’s message across more than 50,000 gyms nationwide. Their collaboration brought together trainers, gym members, and citizens for early morning cycling, stretching, and open-air workouts, reinforcing the notion that fitness is not merely an individual pursuit, but a collective endeavor.

The Sundays on Cycle initiative encourages communities to unite every Sunday for cycling, exercising, and participating in open-air fitness sessions. In addition to cycling, the event includes activities such as Zumba, rope skipping, and Yogasana, engaging participants of all ages.

This week also saw enthusiastic participation at venues like SAI NCOE Guwahati, SAI STC Raipur & STC Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh, SAI STC Alleppey, SAI NSRC Kolkata, and SAI STC Dharamshala, with involvement from all other SAI NCOEs & STCs throughout the country.

The movement is further supported every week by over 3,500 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs, which have become the foundation of this citizen-driven fitness wave, ensuring thousands across India participate in the celebration of cycling and health each Sunday.

From the northern hills of Kargil to the coastal stretches of Kerala, from the bustling metros of Delhi and Mumbai to the heartlands of Chhattisgarh and Assam, Fit India Sundays on Cycle continues to unify individuals in motion. What began as a modest step has now evolved into India’s largest citizen-driven fitness movement, advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of a Fit, Energetic, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.