New Delhi, Oct 29 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, emphasized the significance of the Pune Grand Tour 2026 in promoting sports tourism and the Fit India Movement in the nation. This statement was made during an event where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the official logo and jersey for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, as reported by the PIB on Wednesday.

In her speech, Minister Khadse noted that the event is in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ambition to host the Olympic Games in 2036, showcasing India's increasing dedication to sports-centric development and tourism.

“Through the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, initiatives like Sundays on Cycle, occurring weekly at over 5,000 locations with participation from nearly 500,000 cyclists, are evolving the concept of Fit India into a widespread movement,” she stated.

Smt. Khadse commended Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for leading and expanding the Sundays on Cycle initiative nationwide, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace cycling for fitness, sustainability, and community cohesion.

“The Pune Grand Tour 2026 exemplifies how sports can enhance both tourism and wellness. Additionally, sports science is playing an increasingly vital role in improving athlete performance, and events like this will fortify our sporting ecosystem,” she added.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that the Pune Grand Tour will showcase Pune's rich historical, cultural, and tourism landmarks, thereby enhancing both domestic and international tourism while rejuvenating the city’s reputation as the “City of Cycles.” He asserted that the event will benefit Maharashtra’s economy, promote healthy lifestyles, and address pollution challenges.

“Pune has always been synonymous with cycling, and this event will further solidify that legacy. The Pune Grand Tour will place the city on the global cycling map, fostering fitness and environmental consciousness across India,” the Chief Minister stated.

Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, Asian Cycling Confederation President Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Cycling Federation of India Secretary General Dato Maninder Pal Singh, and former Asian Cycling Confederation Secretary General Onkar Singh were also in attendance.

Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar introduced the concept and preparations for the event.

The dignitaries launched the official logo and jersey of the Pune Grand Tour 2026. The mascot, named Indu, is inspired by the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel found in the forests of Bhimashankar, symbolizing agility, resilience, and ecological balance.

Chief Minister Fadnavis also honored veteran 77-year-old cyclist Nirupama Bhave, along with Preeti Mhaske, Praniti Soman (Ahmednagar), Bharat Sonawane (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Akash Mhetre (Jalgaon), and Pooja Danole (Solapur) for their accomplishments in cycling.

Key attendees included MLAs Amit Gorakhe, Rahul Kul, Siddharth Shirole, Babaji Kale, and Shankar Mandekar, along with senior officials including Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, PCMC Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, and Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Smt. Sheetal Teli-Ugale, as well as District Collector Jitendra Dudi and CEO Zilla Parishad Gajanan Patil.

The Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks India’s inaugural Pro Stage Elite Race for Men - a UCI 2.2 international cycling event.

Furthermore, the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is associated with qualifications for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics, enabling international participants to secure crucial race points through a multi-stage, multi-day road race scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026.

Recognized as an elite event in the UCI’s annual calendar, the Pune Grand Tour represents India’s significant leap onto the global stage, merging athlete determination, triumph, and passion for a world-class competition. Spanning across 437 kilometers, the Pune Grand Tour will be Maharashtra’s flagship event – illustrating a vibrant blend of Pune District’s urban landscapes, hilly terrains, and rural settings.