Is Sports Minister Mandaviya Leading Fit India Sundays on Cycle in New Delhi?

New Delhi, June 22 (NationPress) The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative took center stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, led by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.

This event, organized in partnership with Yogasana Bharat, attracted a remarkable assembly of athletes and celebrities, including the newly appointed Fit India Ambassador Mia Maelzer, Olympian racewalker Priyanka Goswami, former Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, taekwondo champion Rodali Barua, and actress Madhurima Tuli, who is also celebrated as a Fit India icon.

The cycling event was a follow-up to the International Yoga Day, which was observed on June 21.

In a statement to the press, Mandaviya remarked, “This Sunday’s cycling event holds special significance. Just yesterday, yoga sessions took place in over 6,000 locations nationwide, with participation exceeding one crore across more than 10 lakh venues. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Fit India has transformed into a nationwide movement. Each pedal we push forward contributes to making India a fitness powerhouse. From yoga yesterday to cycling today, and Olympic Day tomorrow, this fitness revolution is uniting every Indian.”

The cycling event in Pandharpur, Maharashtra drew a crowd of 5,000, with the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse in attendance. A total of 90 cycling clubs participated in the rally. “The Pandharpur Fit India Sundays on Cycle represents the Prime Minister’s message of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi aur Fitness Bhi’,” stated Khadse.

Mia Maelzer shared her enthusiasm for the event in New Delhi, saying, “There’s nothing more rewarding than contributing meaningfully to my country. Cycling today felt like flying—it was a truly liberating experience! It’s not just about fitness; it’s also a response to climate change, especially in Delhi. I am thankful to the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister for their strong commitment to youth fitness and engagement.”

Olympian Priyanka Goswami emphasized the importance of staying active, stating, “We must make an effort to keep our bodies moving. Whether in urban or rural India, we must heed PM Modi’s call for ‘Fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz’. Cycling rekindles the joy of movement, strengthens our legs, and enhances our health.”

Rani Rampal highlighted the significance of initiatives like this in shaping the youth of India, saying, “Campaigns such as Fit India Sundays on Cycle engage young individuals and promote awareness about discipline and fitness. Cycling transcends mere transportation; it signifies a lifestyle shift. Whenever you travel, consider cycling—it inspires others by your example.”

Rodali Barua, a youth role model and taekwondo athlete, linked the movement to India’s Olympic aspirations, stating, “The 2036 Olympic vision set forth by our PM is an ambitious target for every athlete. Sundays on Cycle is a fantastic initiative, especially for busy professionals who find it challenging to exercise during the week. It keeps us healthy, mindful, and focused.”

Launched by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mandaviya in December 2024, the FIT India Sundays on Cycle movement has been implemented in over 10,500 locations across the nation, engaging more than 3.75 lakh individuals.

These cycling events are facilitated by numerous Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Regional Centres (RCs), and various National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) throughout the country.