New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) As part of its ongoing commitment to foster a healthier and less polluted India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with India Post, hosted a remarkable edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ across 6000 locations nationwide. Launched by Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, this cycling initiative has now reached over 41,000 locations, engaging more than 750,000 individuals in its journey.

The 34th edition honored the postmen of India, the nation’s original cyclists, who have diligently connected communities and stories using little more than a reliable bicycle and an unwavering sense of duty. India Post orchestrated this cycling event through its extensive network of over 150,000 post offices, with around 3000 Namo Fit India Clubs joining the festivities.

With their khaki uniforms and resilient cycles, India’s postmen have become enduring icons of fitness, reliability, and community service. On this day, the country came together to celebrate this legacy through cycling.

The event in Delhi was launched from the famous Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 7 AM, attracting enthusiastic participation from both amateur cyclists and officials from India Post. Notable guests included the gold medal-winning quartet of Arman, Ansh Tomar, Shekhar Rathee, and Krishna Suneriya from the U16 South Asian Basketball Championship held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Shekhar Rathee, a promising talent from Haryana currently training at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, praised the cycling initiative, stating, “This is a wonderful initiative for the youth. Participating in such activities boosts one’s resilience against diseases. I encourage individuals of all ages to engage in cycling and embrace a healthier lifestyle.”

Ansh Tomar, who stands tall at 6 feet 9 inches at just 15 years old from Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the importance of not only engaging in fitness activities but also maintaining a balanced diet to prevent lifestyle diseases. Krishna Suneriya pointed out that “obesity and drug addiction are significant threats among the youth”, urging the adoption of an active lifestyle as a preventative measure. Arman acknowledged the government’s efforts, asserting that “Only a healthy society can foster a prosperous nation.”

Among other dignitaries present were Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee & President of M3M Foundation, and Narender Kumar, Mountaineer & Fit India Ambassador.

The enthusiastic participants enjoyed cycling around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and also took part in Zumba, meditation, yoga sessions, and rope skipping activities organized by Dr. Shikha Gupta.

The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat. This cycling drive takes place simultaneously across all State and Union Territory capitals, as well as SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India centres (KICs) catering to various age groups.