New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) On Thursday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, officially launched the emblem for India's groundbreaking sports venture, the world's inaugural franchise-based road cycling league, aptly named the Cycling League of India.

Characterizing this initiative as a revolutionary advancement for cycling within the nation, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mandaviya remarked that this unveiling signifies a pivotal moment for cycling in India.

“This launch signifies a turning point in Indian sports. By introducing the world’s first franchise-based road cycling league, we are not just organizing races but are establishing a professional ecosystem that will foster talent, draw international attention, and resonate with our vision for a fit and energetic India,” he stated.

The Minister further noted that this initiative capitalizes on the momentum generated by recent professional cycling events, which are expected to motivate young Indians to embrace the sport.

“Events such as the Pune Grand Tour, this league in Ahmedabad, and the weekly Sunday on Cycle gatherings across various locations will collectively establish cycling as a recognized sport in India,” he added.

This upcoming league is set to showcase eight city or region-based franchises, each comprising ten cyclists.

The team composition will include two international riders, bringing global expertise and competitiveness, along with two junior cyclists aimed at nurturing budding Indian talent and ensuring the sport's long-term sustainability.

Competitions will unfold in three structured phases culminating in a grand finale, featuring diverse race formats such as criterium races, team time trials, and mass start events, designed to offer both strategic competition and thrilling experiences for spectators.

This initiative builds on the remarkable resurgence of professional cycling in India in recent years.

Among the notable triumphs has been the Pune Grand Tour, which has emerged as the world's largest UCI 2.2 stage race, attracting 2.5 million active spectators, generating ₹144 million in public relations value, and receiving accolades from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Complementing the surge at the professional level has been a nationwide endeavor to promote cycling as a mass movement.

Launched in December 2024 by Dr. Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a powerful public movement, witnessing participation from over 25 lakh citizens across more than 2.5 lakh locations nationwide in over 63 editions held to date.

What began with merely five locations and around 500 participants has now expanded to over 10,000 locations each Sunday, with more than 10 lakh citizens regularly engaging in cycling, thus transforming it into a cultural phenomenon and a community-driven solution to pollution. The movement has garnered support from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, propelling it into a nationwide campaign advocating fitness and combating obesity.

Other significant events, including the Statue of Unity Cyclothon in Gujarat, the HCL Cyclothons, and various cyclothons across the nation, have substantially contributed to the growing popularity and participation in the sport.

Ravneet Gill, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizon Alliance Private Limited, highlighted the long-term vision behind this initiative.

“The world’s first franchise-based road cycling league embodies our commitment to establishing a professional and commercially sustainable sporting ecosystem. With eight dynamic franchises, a blend of international and emerging talent, and race formats designed for excitement and fairness, this league will forge a lasting legacy for cycling in India,” he remarked.

This new league is anticipated to significantly bolster India’s cycling ecosystem, broaden opportunities for athletes, and enhance the nation's standing in the global sports arena while inspiring a new generation to take up cycling.

India is currently experiencing a swift expansion of professional league culture across various sports.

With several new leagues anticipated to launch soon, 2026 is projected to witness further growth in professional leagues in India, thereby strengthening the nation’s sports infrastructure and competitive landscape.