Did Wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia Inspire Fitness at 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' in Delhi?

New Delhi, May 4 (NationPress) The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium transformed into a hub of wellness and motivation this morning as the latest edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle attracted an enthusiastic crowd of 750 participants, comprising teachers, athletes, Fit India advocates, and fitness enthusiasts.

Leading the initiative was Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who pedaled alongside Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and a stellar lineup of national heroes, including Ravi Dahiya, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, Deepak Punia, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Rohtash Chaudhary, the Guinness World Record holder (Push-up Man of India), and renowned mountaineer Narender Kumar, who recently achieved a record ascent of Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest peak in the world at 8,091 meters, within just 12 days.

The theme for this week was ‘Cycling with Teachers’, showcasing educators and mentors from various institutions across the city, including schools, universities, and private colleges.

“Teachers are the heroes for our students, and now you must also become heroes for Viksit Bharat. You can make cycling a trend, and I urge all educators to start cycling themselves and encourage their students to follow suit. While we live in a digital era, enhancing our physical fitness is equally important. We need to shift from digital activities to physical activities to support the mission of ‘Fight Against Obesity’ and the vision of Fit India and Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” Mandaviya remarked while addressing attendees.

This Sunday’s event was a collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various State Governments. Special partners included the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), Delhi University, CBSE and CISCE boards, Kendriya Vidyalaya, National Progressive School Conference, National Forensic Sciences University, Yogasana India, Indian Rope Skipping Foundation, among others.

Wrestling champions Dahiya and Punia motivated the crowd, encouraging both youth and educators to integrate physical fitness into their daily routines. “This is a crucial initiative started by our government to ensure physical fitness receives the attention it deserves. ‘Sharir is shaktimaan’ (your body is the mightiest thing), and keeping this in mind, everyone should cycle for at least 1-2 hours a day,” stated Ravi Dahiya, silver medalist of the Tokyo Olympics.

“I genuinely commend this initiative, believing that cycling not only fosters fitness but also contributes to a pollution-free India,” remarked Deepak Punia, who narrowly missed a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Also present was Narender Kumar, fresh from his expedition to Mount Annapurna. “Cycling is an excellent start towards better health. Sundays on Cycle appears to be an ideal way to promote that. Climbing Annapurna was undeniably challenging, but consistent fitness efforts made it achievable. This movement communicates that message,” he expressed.

Since its launch in December 2024, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has seen participation from 2.5 lakh individuals across more than 5,000 locations. This expansive cycling drive has reached places including Andaman and Nicobar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and the Lakshadweep Islands.

Nationwide events are simultaneously conducted with significant participation from SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training centres, SAI Extension centres, Khelo India centres (KICs), and Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), among others.