New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, today underscored the significance of fitness in the context of national development. He called upon citizens to engage in the Fit India initiative and adopt active lifestyles to contribute to a more developed India. Mandaviya also led the 69th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Mandaviya stated, "The Sunday on Cycle initiative has transformed into a nationwide campaign. Thanks to the inspiration from Prime Minister Modi, the youth across the nation is increasingly prioritizing fitness. The message of Fit India from Prime Minister Modi is not merely a suggestion; it is essential for a Viksit Bharat."

He further emphasized that for India to progress, the health of its citizens, especially the youth, is paramount.

“A robust citizenry fosters a healthy society, which in turn cultivates a developed nation. I encourage all citizens, particularly the younger generation, to partake in the Sunday on Cycle movement and disseminate the message of Fit India,” he stated.

The Minister also highlighted the connection between sustainability and fitness via the Fit India App, which allows users to earn carbon credits through cycling.

This initiative not only promotes eco-friendly transport but also incentivizes healthy living. The accrued carbon credits can be utilized for purchasing products, and the cycling leaderboard will soon feature tangible rewards.

Early in the morning, the venue transforms into a lively fitness hub, resonating with vibrant music, synchronized Zumba sessions, yoga mats spread across various zones, and bicycles ready for action.

The event showcased yoga exhibitions, tug-of-war competitions, rope-skipping activities, recreational game areas, photo booths, and diverse interactive fitness pursuits. Participants of all ages—celebrities, students, professionals, athletes, and families—came together in large numbers.

Among those honored was Pinki Jangra, a bronze medalist boxer from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, alongside fitness influencers Dinesh Shetty, a Muay Thai martial artist and champion of India’s Ultimate Warrior, and Sonia Sisodia, a social activist.

The Raahgiri Foundation organized a nukkad natak themed “State Youth Leaders,” who acted as special partners for this edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. This event infused a socially engaging element, merging fitness with community awareness and messaging.

The State Youth Leaders also took part in the Government of India's My Bharat initiative, a permanent collaborator of Fit India that propels the movement through the efforts of young volunteers.

A dedicated yoga consultation booth, backed by the Ministry of AYUSH under its Yoga 365 initiative, provided participants a space to unwind during guided sessions and consultations. Furthermore, a smart wall fitness challenge focused on neural activity attracted enthusiastic crowds of all ages.

Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat.

The cycling initiative is executed simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).

Launched in December 2024 by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a notable public movement, with over 2.8 million citizens participating at more than 263,000 locations across the country since its inception.