Panaji, Dec 13 (NationPress) The picturesque coastline of Goa is set to transform into a lively hub of fitness, patriotism, and community spirit as the Fit India Sundays on Cycle hosts its grand edition in the state to commemorate Vijay Diwas, honoring India’s armed forces.

The special event will commence from Miramar Beach Circle to Dona Paula Circle, with the ride kicking off at 7 am. This flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organized in Goa in partnership with the Directorate of Sports, Goa.

A press briefing took place in Goa on Saturday, led by Mayank Srivastav, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India, and Dr. Ajay Gaude, Secretary, Sports Authority of Goa, to pave the way for the grand event scheduled for December 14.

During the press conference, Srivastav remarked, "Fit India Sundays on Cycle (SOC) will be a Fitness Carnival, offering the citizens of Goa a variety of activities such as zumba, yoga, rope skipping, and of course, Cycling. This marks the 53rd edition of SOC, with approximately 20 lakh participants nationwide last year. We are thrilled to bring this national event to Goa."

"Previously, we held this mega event in Delhi, but due to popular demand and to promote fitness nationwide, we have moved the event beyond the capital. The first event outside Delhi was in Varanasi, and Goa, with its stunning scenery, broad roads, and fresh air, is the second host," he added.

Regarding Goa's involvement, Dr. Gaude stated, "We are delighted to collaborate with the Sports Ministry for this initiative aimed at enhancing the health of our citizens. I am also excited to announce that the Sports Authority of Goa will be launching a cycling club for public participation."

The Goa event will be attended by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Sports Minister, Government of Goa, and Santosh Gunwantrao Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Goa. Numerous celebrated athletes will also be present, including Jaismine Lamboria, an Olympian and World Championship gold medallist in boxing, Olympian Subedar Manish Kaushik, Arjuna Awardee footballer Bruno Coutinho, and Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, a football icon from Goa.

Adding further inspiration, Maymol Rocky, the first female head coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Football Team, will also participate in the ride. Renowned comedian Md. Ali and actor Manchu Manoj Kumar will also attend the Goa event to inspire participants.

The Vijay Diwas theme will be amplified by the attendance of senior officers and units from the Army, Navy, and NCC, highlighting the profound connection between fitness, discipline, and national service. Fit India Champions and Ambassadors from the state will also engage, strengthening the movement’s grassroots appeal.

Launched in December 2024 by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved over the past year, expanding from a nodal event to include states and Union Territories across the nation. Following successful events in Jaipur and Varanasi, Goa emerges as the next host city, showcasing the initiative’s growing national influence. Over the last year, hundreds of thousands of citizens across various locations have joined, making it a genuine grassroots movement advocating for #FightObesity and #PollutionKaSolution.

With the beautiful backdrop of the Arabian Sea and the spirit of Vijay Diwas, the Goa edition promises to be a meaningful celebration of fitness, freedom, and the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces, encouraging citizens to pedal not just for health, but also for honor and unity.