Union Sports Minister Launches the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' Campaign
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New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Following the successful launch of the Fit India Cycling Drive earlier this week, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya officially inaugurated the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ campaign at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday.
In attendance were over 500 cyclists, including members from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), campers from the Sports Authority of India, aspiring gymnasts from IG Stadium, senior officials, and various cycling clubs based in the national capital.
The flag-off event also featured former WWE star Shanky Singh, known for his association with the tag team that included former WWE champion Jinder Mahal. Meanwhile, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Table Tennis player Mouma Das launched the Sundays on Cycle event at the Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Kolkata.
Highlighting the extensive reach of the Cycling Drive, Mandaviya stated, “The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is currently taking place at over 1100+ locations across India. The recent launch of the cycling drive has significantly raised awareness about cycling.”
“Cycling is essential today. The vision of Viksit Bharat requires healthy individuals, which in turn fosters a healthy society and ultimately leads to a healthy nation. The advantages of cycling align perfectly with the objectives of the Fit India movement, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019,” the minister elaborated.
The event in the capital witnessed numerous cyclists from the CRPF and ITBP, who expressed their enthusiasm for participating in an initiative that champions fitness and environmental sustainability.
Anish Dayal Singh, IPS, DG CRPF, remarked, "CRPF is dedicated to achieving peak physical fitness, as a fit force can best serve our nation. Cycling benefits both individual health and the environment. We are thrilled to participate in the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, promoting fitness and sustainability nationwide through today’s event."
Former WWE wrestler Shanky, who is currently exploring opportunities in Indie wrestling circles globally, stated, “Wherever I go internationally from now on, I will advocate for cycling, both offline and on social media. Participating in the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event has energized me. I encourage more individuals to join this remarkable initiative started by the Prime Minister and Sports Minister.”
BYCS India Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to fostering cycling in India, also contributed to the event. Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, CEO of BYCS India Foundation, stated, "Our organization supports the cycling initiative under the FIT India Movement by independently organizing local events and collaborating with local chapters of SAI for Sundays on Cycle. We believe that cycling is a straightforward solution to some of the most complex urban challenges. The Bicycle Mayors network in India will continue advocating for cycling through skill development and increasing access to cycling in over 50 cities nationwide."
The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat. Events are simultaneously conducted across Sports Authority of India regional centers, National Centers of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centers (KICs) throughout the country.
