‘Fit India Cycling Drive’ Launched to Promote Health and Sustainability Nationwide

New Delhi: The Fit India Movement took a giant leap towards building a healthier and greener India with the launch of the ‘Fit India Cycling Drive’ this morning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The event was flagged off by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MP Tejasvi Surya, and elite athletes, including Paris Paralympics bronze medallist Simran Sharma, Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist Preeti Pawar.

Over 500 cycling enthusiasts joined the 3-kilometre ride from the National Stadium to Raisina Hills and back, promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “We have to bring the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat to reality by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047. For this, it is essential we become a healthy and fit nation.” Highlighting the significance of cycling, he added, “This initiative, initially launched as ‘Fit India Cycling Tuesdays,’ will now be called ‘Sundays on Cycle’ to encourage participation. Doctors, journalists, teachers, professionals, and youth will join this hour-long cycling drive not just in New Delhi, but across the country. Cycling boosts the environment, reduces pollution, and contributes to sustainability.”

The event, held simultaneously at over 1,000 locations nationwide, was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Fit India Movement in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various sports authorities. Regional cycling events were hosted across Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), drawing participation from over 50,000 people.

Prominent athletes joined the cycling drives across the country, including two-time Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil in NCOE Rohtak, Paris Paralympics gold medallist Navdeep in NCOE Gandhinagar, former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, Olympian shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and javelin thrower Annu Rani at NSNIS Patiala.

The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all age groups, including youth and senior citizens. Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, 2023 World Championships gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas said, “This is a major platform for both young and old to stay fit and contribute to keeping India pollution-free. I felt truly inspired during the ride while interacting with Hon’ble Sports Minister about the strides being made in sports across the country.”