How Are Celebrities, Olympians, and Actors Inspiring Fitness with 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle'?

New Delhi, May 18 (NationPress) A diverse group of celebrities, including Olympians, a chess grandmaster, renowned actors, and fitness advocates, have come together for 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' to commemorate eight years of GST, emphasizing a nationwide pledge towards fitness. This event brought together thousands across various CBIC-GST centers, fostering a unified approach to health, community engagement, and cleaner air.

Actor and fitness enthusiast Suneil Shetty passionately advocated for ongoing wellness during this nationwide cycling event organized by the Fit India Movement in partnership with CBIC-GST. He stated, “Wellness is significantly less expensive than dealing with illness. Fitness should be a daily practice, not limited to just one day of cycling, as it is crucial for overall health.” Participating at the GST Commissionerate in Mumbai, Shetty added an element of star-studded gravitas to an initiative that is transforming into a popular movement.

The event on May 18 celebrated both the eighth anniversary of GST and a collective commitment to fitness, engaging thousands across the country in a synchronized effort toward better health and a cleaner environment.

In Thiruvananthapuram, three esteemed Olympians and international athletes—Jisna Mathew (Rio 2016, 4x400m), M.P. Jabir (Tokyo 2020, 400m hurdles), and Anu Raghavan (Asian Games and Championship medalist)—officially launched the event, motivating over 200 participants to enthusiastically embrace the cycling course.

Leading the cyclists were five of India's elite athletes—Pooja Danole, Dhanyadha JP, Srimathi J, Rejiya Devi, and Niraimathi J—each celebrated national and international medalists, reinforcing the message that fitness is a collective journey, not just a sprint.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, cycling was one of many activities featured. Chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev, recently crowned with a gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, participated in the ride, inspiring attendees with her fitness-centric philosophy. “You don’t need elaborate equipment or a gym for fitness—just your determination and discipline,” she emphasized. “Stamina is crucial, even in chess, and cycling has become an integral part of my fitness routine.”

The event took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and included Zumba, rope skipping, and yoga sessions, transforming the Sunday into a vibrant celebration of both physical activity and mental wellness. Numerous locations across the nation, including SAI RCs, STCs, NCOEs, and Khelo India Centres, hosted similar activities.

Shashank Priya, Special Secretary and Member, CBIC GST, remarked, “Our partnership with Fit India and GST sends a powerful message that fitness is accessible to all, not just elite athletes. It’s uplifting to witness increased awareness regarding lifestyle-related illnesses and the importance of healthy eating and reducing sugar intake.”

He further emphasized the significance of mindful eating in combating obesity and preventing heart disease, urging everyone to strive towards a healthier India.

Since its inception in December 2024, the cycling initiative has successfully reached over 3 lakh individuals across more than 5,500 locations. Social media has been abuzz with endorsements from icons like Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Dara Singh, all encouraging everyday fitness.

“India is uniting to embrace fitness through cycling. I encourage everyone to join our officers this Sunday for a memorable experience,” stated Shankar Mahadevan in his video message. “Fit Hum, Toh Fit India,” concluded Milind Soman.

With increasing momentum, Fit India’s Sundays on Cycle is reshaping our approach to movement, one pedal at a time, converting public spaces into wellness hubs and citizens into health champions.