How Did the Three-Day National Sports Day Celebrations Evolve into a True Jan Andolan?

New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) This morning, the vibrant atmosphere of the national capital was evident as the renowned Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium hosted the remarkable National Sports Day 2025 edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, featuring various National Sports Federations and led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. This event marked the final day of a three-day nationwide celebration of sports, paying tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his 120th birth anniversary.

Mandaviya initiated the cycling rally, describing it as a “movement that connects Indians to their roots, fosters sustainability, and embodies the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” During his address, he stated, “The three-day National Sports Day celebrations have evolved into a genuine Jan Andolan. From village playgrounds to national arenas, nearly 30 crore Indians have engaged in celebrating sports, fitness, and the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand ji. This unprecedented involvement showcases India’s growing sporting culture and our collective determination to embrace fitness as a lifestyle.”

He continued, “Cycling is more than just a form of exercise; it’s about reconnecting with our heritage. Simple and sustainable practices like this reflect our values of self-reliance and pride in our roots. The essence of Garv se Swadeshi should motivate us to adopt indigenous methods of staying fit and healthy, contributing to a more robust and confident India.”

The nationwide scope of this initiative was unparalleled. With activities spanning over 10,000 locations across 700 districts, almost 30 crore citizens participated in playground activities, cycling rallies, and competitions in traditional sports. More than 3,000 Namo Fit India Clubs for Cycling also participated from various locations, reinforcing the ideals of fitness, sustainability, and a sense of community.

From the Himalayan foothills to coastal cities, and from bustling urban centers to rural areas, India cycled together on the final day of this historic three-day celebration of National Sports Day 2025. Various states and union territories organized concurrent events, with distinguished athletes and public figures uniting with citizens. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana cycled alongside over 2,500 participants in Kurukshetra, while Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, participated with over 1,000 enthusiasts in his state. Other Members of Parliament and notable figures also took part across different states and union territories.

An exciting edition of Sundays on Cycle took place at Borivali National Park in Mumbai, attended by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Bollywood legend Jackie Shroff. Khadse remarked, “Under Mansukh Mandaviya's vision, our Sports Ministry has been organizing 'Sundays on Cycle' in various locations across the nation for the past year. Today's event in Mumbai coincides with National Sports Day. 'Sundays on Cycle' serves as a mission to promote fitness awareness among the populace.”

Veteran actor Jackie Shroff emphasized the importance of physical activity for children, stating, “Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has initiated Fit India, and it’s vital for all children to engage with this initiative,” Shroff highlighted.

In Delhi, over 1,000 citizens, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts came together for the event. Numerous National Sports Federation leaders also joined Mansukh Mandaviya, demonstrating the commitment of India’s sports organizations to promote fitness as a collective movement.

Trupti Murgunde, a Dhyan Chand Awardee and former Indian badminton player, attended as a special guest. She expressed, “The participation of millions in this three-day National Sports Day campaign is remarkable and speaks volumes about the evolution of Indian sports. The atmosphere today was vibrant and filled with enthusiasm, as individuals of all ages came together on a Sunday morning. I extend my gratitude to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching Fit India.”

The stadium was alive with early morning Zumba sessions, yoga, skipping, fitness games, and a ceremonial send-off for 11 young mountaineering girls prepared to climb Mt. Everest following their training in Manali. Cyclists who journeyed from Prayagraj to Delhi as part of the National Sports Day celebrations were honored as well.

Additional highlights included events at SAI NSSC Bengaluru, where Paralympians Ankur Dhama and Ravi Rangoli led a rally, and at SAI NCOE Jagatpur & STC Cuttack in collaboration with sports associations from Odisha. Since its inception, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement has reached over seven lakh individuals across more than 40,000 locations nationwide. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, collaborates with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat. The initiative operates concurrently across all state capitals and union territories, as well as at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, and Khelo India centres.