How is Sports Min Mandaviya Leading the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ Campaign to Honor Kargil Heroes?

Ahmedabad, July 27 (NationPress) - The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded the 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative here, commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas and embracing the essence of fitness and patriotism. The event attracted over 800 participants, including members from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Gujarat Vidyapeeth, local cycling clubs, and fitness advocates.

Nationwide, CAPF personnel played a vital role as special partners in this campaign. A significant rally in Srinagar was organized by the Srinagar Sector CRPF, where officers and soldiers cycled from the historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower to SKICC Srinagar, symbolizing national pride and solidarity.

The 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign was simultaneously held at more than 6,000 locations, bringing communities together to honor our Kargil War heroes while advocating for a healthier and fitter India.

“Every year on July 26, we celebrate the valor of our soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Continuing that spirit, we proudly partnered with our armed forces for the 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative. It was an honor to cycle alongside our armed forces and CAPF members to pay tribute to our courageous soldiers,” remarked Mandaviya.

“The dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) starts with Swasth Bharat (Healthy India). When individuals are physically fit, their mental and emotional resilience flourishes, creating an unstoppable nation. Fitness transcends the physical; it embodies a lifestyle of discipline, focus, and purpose. I encourage every citizen to dedicate at least one hour daily to cycling or physical activity. As we move together, we thrive together. A fit Bharat is a united Bharat, and together we will forge a stronger, healthier, and self-reliant India,” he added.

In Delhi, despite cloudy skies, over 1,000 individuals participated in the 'Sundays on Cycle' event at Cannaught Place. The event was further invigorated by a dynamic biking rally led by the SHOR Foundation, guiding a youth group through the city while chanting slogans and waving the Tricolour in honor of the Kargil martyrs.

Colonel Bakshi, a veteran of the Kargil War, who participated in the Delhi rally, expressed, “This initiative has united people of all ages. At nearly 70, I am proud to be part of such an inspiring movement.”

Among the participants was Captain Akhilesh Saxena, who appreciated the initiative, saying, “The health of a nation’s citizens is its most significant strength. I am filled with immense joy and pride seeing citizens come together to prioritize their health and join the 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign.”

The Delhi event, organized in partnership with the Raahgiri Foundation, also featured yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, and engaging games for children like carrom, chess, ludo, and mini golf.

The 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative is led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Rope Skipping team led by Dr. Shikha Gupta, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bharat, and My Bikes.

This initiative runs concurrently in all state and UT capitals, SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), and Khelo India centres.