New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Geeta Phogat, the trailblazing woman wrestler from India who made history by clinching a Commonwealth gold and qualifying for the Olympics, expressed her joy as she joined a gathering of 1000 women at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in Delhi. This event was a part of the special Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, inaugurated by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

"I wish I could cycle more frequently; today was such an enjoyable experience. It was heartwarming to witness numerous young mothers with their little ones, as well as elderly women, cycling alongside me. Our Prime Minister initiated this Fit India movement, and being present today has shown me that it has truly evolved into a People's Movement, with individuals taking fitness seriously," she remarked.

Women took center stage during the Fit India Sundays cycling events across the nation, celebrating the significant contributions of women towards a Viksit Bharat. The event was conducted simultaneously at over 2000 locations, making it one of the largest grassroots fitness movements under the Fit India campaign. From major cities to small towns, women formed large groups to participate in cycling rallies and fitness activities, emphasizing the importance of health and community engagement.

The flagship event in Delhi welcomed notable personalities, including the sporting icon Geeta Phogat, boxer Saweety Boora, judoka and Roadies finalist Priya Sharma, Fit India Icon Milind Soman, actress and Fit India Champion Ragini Dwivedi, and fellow Fit India Champion Ankita Konwar. Women achievers from all over the country, including Arjuna awardees, Dronacharya award-winning coaches, political figures, and cultural icons, united in their dedication to health and fitness.

Highlighting the significance of a women-focused Sundays on Cycle event, Boora stated, "Women are the backbone of families; if they maintain their health and fitness, they can take better care of their families and contribute to the nation’s growth by engaging in the workforce. It’s exciting to see women recognizing this and prioritizing their fitness."

The vibrant morning commenced with various activities such as yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The excitement soared with Milind Soman, the Fit India Icon and Pinkathon founder, attending the event. Soman noted that every woman present was already a step ahead by acknowledging the importance of physical activity. He encouraged women from the audience to join him in fitness exercises and even participated in a tug-of-war with some audience members and women dignitaries.

The Delhi event saw enthusiastic involvement from students of leading girls’ colleges, My Bharat volunteers, representatives from the Cycle Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, the Rope Skipping team, and others. The aim was to inspire women to adopt cycling as a simple, sustainable, and effective method to remain fit, while also promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. After an hour filled with enjoyable fitness activities, the women cycled around the iconic India Gate.

"It’s exhilarating to witness such enthusiasm among women not only in cycling but also in reclaiming public spaces and enjoying a morning of fitness and joy. While sports are an excellent way to stay fit, many women may find it challenging to engage in active sports as they age, but events like this are definitely accessible. The Fit India initiative has transformed our perception of fitness—making it easy, enjoyable, and achievable anytime, anywhere," added actress Ragini Dwivedi, who traveled from Bengaluru to participate in the Sundays on Cycle event in Delhi.

Indeed, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative continues to grow in popularity, attracting more participants each week. The special edition for women underscored the government's commitment to inclusivity in sports and fitness, particularly by encouraging greater female participation in physical activities.

Participants expressed their excitement for the initiative, emphasizing that these programs not only promote health but also foster community and empowerment among women. The Fit India Movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to integrate fitness into daily life and expand its reach through innovative and inclusive initiatives like Sundays on Cycle, encouraging citizens nationwide to focus on their well-being.