The Fit India movement has taken a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle with the launch of the ‘Fit India Cycling Drive’.
This nationwide event, aimed at encouraging cycling as a means of both fitness and environmental sustainability, was flagged off on the morning of the event at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The initiative was launched by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, with the presence of other prominent figures, including Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, and MP Shri Tejasvi Surya.
The event was also graced by elite athletes such as Paris Paralympics bronze medallist Simran Sharma, Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist Preeti Pawar.
The event featured a 3-kilometre cycling ride from the National Stadium to Raisina Hills and back, with close to 500 cycling enthusiasts participating. The primary aim of the ride was to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport.
Dr. Mandaviya, in his address, reaffirmed the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the importance of working towards a fit and healthy nation in the run-up to India's 100th year of independence in 2047. "We have to bring the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat to reality by then, and it is crucial we make our nation healthy and fit," he remarked.
In his speech, Dr. Mandaviya also emphasised the long-term benefits of cycling. Originally launched as ‘Fit India Cycling Tuesdays’, the event will now be known as ‘Sundays on Cycle’ and will take place every Sunday to make it more accessible for participants.
He mentioned that various groups, including doctors, journalists, teachers, corporate professionals, and the youth, would be encouraged to take part in hour-long cycling sessions on Sundays.
He added that cycling is a key solution to environmental pollution, as it contributes significantly to sustainability and helps reduce carbon footprints.
The event, which was held simultaneously in over 1000 locations across the country, saw a massive turnout with more than 50,000 participants. The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the Fit India movement, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various sports authorities.
The nationwide cycling drive took place across Sports Authority of India regional centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), with significant participation from athletes, youth, and even senior citizens.
The launch event saw involvement from many well-known athletes, including two-time Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil, who participated in NCOE Rohtak, and Paris Paralympics gold medallist Navdeep, who took part in NCOE Gandhinagar.
Other notable athletes such as former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, Olympian shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and javelin thrower Annu Rani joined the cycling events in different locations across India, including NSNIS Patiala.
Nitu Ghanghas, the 2023 World Championships gold medallist, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the significant role such platforms play in promoting fitness across age groups.
“This is a major platform for both young and old to stay fit and will also contribute to keeping India pollution-free,” she said.
Ghanghas also noted her interaction with the Hon’ble Sports Minister during the ride, which inspired her and gave her a deeper understanding of the government’s efforts in advancing sports in India.
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