Hundreds of students from schools, colleges, and universities joined fitness enthusiasts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, 2 August for the 84th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, themed around 'Nasha Mukt Bharat'. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) under the Fit India Movement, the event placed India's youth at the centre of the national campaign against substance abuse, positioning fitness as a credible alternative to addiction.

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge

One of the most significant moments of the morning came when hundreds of participants stood together to take the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' pledge, collectively committing to lead addiction-free lives and encourage their families and communities to choose health over harmful habits. The pledge reinforced the event's core message: that fitness, discipline, and positive lifestyle choices are powerful instruments in building a drug-free India.

Following the pledge, participants completed a 5-km cycling rally around the stadium on the designated route. Alongside the ride, the venue hosted Zumba sessions, yoga, game zones including tug of war, selfie booths, and recreational activities to keep attendees engaged throughout the morning.

Street Theatre and Anti-Drug Messaging

A Nukkad Natak (street play) performed by the Raahgiri Foundation amplified the anti-drug message through live theatre, drawing enthusiastic participation from the crowd. The street play format — a long-standing tool in India's public-health communication — helped translate the campaign's message into accessible, community-level dialogue.

Felicitations and Key Voices

The event also saw the felicitation of Sanjana, silver medallist at the 2026 Asian U23 Athletics Championships, as a Fit India Champion. Others recognised for their contributions to fitness and youth engagement included Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary at the Association of Indian Universities (AIU); Praveen Saroha of Netaji Subhas University of Technology; Mohit Balhara, Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi; Swati Sodhi, Diet and Fitness Expert and Fit India Ambassador; and Sapna Gomla, Certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach and Fit India Champion.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjana underscored the movement's broader significance: 'Fit India Movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 and being taken forward by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is not just about fitness — it is about building a healthier way of life. Today's Sundays on Cycle, themed Nasha Mukt Bharat, reflects the Prime Minister's vision of an addiction-free India. Every young person should come forward and become a part of this movement.'

Participants echoed similar sentiments. Ritika Sharma, a university student, said: 'Taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge together made the event much more meaningful. It reminded us that fitness is not only about physical health but also about making the right choices in life.' School teacher Amit Verma, who attended with his students, added: 'The combination of cycling, yoga, games and the anti-drug campaign made learning enjoyable. It is wonderful to see young people receiving such positive messages outside the classroom.'

About the Fit India Sundays on Cycle Initiative

Launched by the Government of India, the Fit India Movement aims to integrate physical activity into everyday life for citizens across the country. Fit India Sundays on Cycle, envisioned by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, is organised by MYAS in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), the Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat. The drive runs 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).

With the 84th edition now concluded, the initiative continues to scale its reach — using sport and community participation as frontline tools in India's ongoing effort to combat substance abuse among youth.