What Happened at the Fit India 'Sundays on Cycle' Event with Indian Railways?

New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) A vibrant gathering of 1000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts filled the atmosphere at JLN Stadium on Sunday morning for the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. This event was organized in partnership with Indian Railways, who served as special partners. Among the notable attendees were Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar.

Madhurima, known for her role in the Bollywood film Baby, was officially honored as a Fit India Icon by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She has a background as a state-level track and field athlete, having competed in hurdles races.

Expressing her appreciation, Madhurima remarked, “I’m incredibly honored to be here. Cycling has been a passion of mine since childhood. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya have rightly highlighted the dangers of obesity, which leads to various health issues. Cycling is not only economical but also liberating and mentally refreshing.”

This edition, in collaboration with Indian Railways, represented a remarkable increase in participation, with numerous railway officials and athletes joining in. Cycling activities were coordinated by a variety of organizations such as Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and more than 2600 cycling clubs nationwide, which engaged railway staff to ensure the event was a resounding success.

The activities spanned locations from Alwar to Tinsukia and Kurukshetra to Bolpur. Fitness activities included Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping, facilitated by My Bharat, the Rope Skipping Federation of India, and Yogasana Bharat.

Wrestler Anirudh Kumar, who secured a gold medal at the 2024 U23 & U17 Asian Championships, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the youth. “Cycling has been a part of my life since I was a child. It enhances stamina, builds strength, and aids in fat reduction. It’s inspiring to see so many young individuals today embracing fitness,” Anirudh stated.

Mountaineer Narender, currently preparing for an expedition to Mount Elbrus, Europe’s tallest peak, praised the movement as a transformative force for the nation. “The clarion call of PM Narendra Modi has resonated throughout India. It’s heartening to see youth engaging positively, steering clear of distractions and addictions. The passion and vigor of young Indians are propelling this movement forward,” he expressed.

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, launched in December 2024, has already impacted over 3.5 lakh individuals across more than 10,000 locations nationwide. What began with around 150 cyclists has seen an exponential growth in participation over a mere six months.

This remarkable increase is attributed to partners such as CISF, armed forces, Indian Medical Association, journalist associations, educators, corporate entities, and a diverse range of professionals.