Mumbai: Fit India Movement’s flagship programme, ‘Sundays on Cycle’, took place this morning at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India. The event aimed to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle through cycling while also advocating for environmental sustainability. Over 500 cyclists, including wellness experts, cycle clubs, and fitness enthusiasts, participated in the ride, which concluded at Girgaon Chowpatty via the scenic Marine Drive.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, led the ride, launching the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fit nation. The initiative also reinforced the Prime Minister’s recent call to combat obesity, particularly among urban youth, with this week’s theme being #FightObesity.
Several prominent figures joined the event, including wellness expert Dr Mickey Mehta, designer and social worker Shaina NC, Maharashtra UPA-Lokayukta Sanjay Bhatia, IPS officer and Ironman Triathlon finisher Krishna Prakash, Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India Mayank Srivastav, and emerging actor Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni. Athletes and members of Mumbai’s cycling clubs were also present.
Speaking at the event, Dr Mandaviya highlighted the link between national development and citizens’ fitness, urging people, particularly the youth, to adopt cycling as a mode of transport to improve personal health and reduce environmental impact.
Shaina NC praised the initiative, wishing for longer rides in future events, while Dr Mickey Mehta emphasised cycling as a celebration of wellness and an accessible way for individuals to begin their fitness journey.
Simultaneously, a cycling event was held at the Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi, with over 170 participants, including Shivani Pawar, a bronze medallist at the 2024 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship and a National Games gold medallist. Representatives from Decathlon, Cult.Fit, and the Sports Authority of India, as well as wellness coaches from Yogasana Bharat, also took part. Shivani expressed delight at seeing participants of all ages, stressing the need for fitness education and active parental involvement.
In Faridabad, Fit India Ambassador and IRS officer Narendra Yadav led a cycling event at the Sports Complex, Sector 12. More than 150 cyclists, including athletes and over 20 yoga instructors from Patanjali Yog Sansthan, participated.
Since its inception on 17 December last year, the Sundays on Cycle initiative has been held in over 3,500 locations across India. On 16 February, the event took place in over 100 locations, with athletes, wellness experts, and cycling clubs joining in. It continues to be hosted at Sports Authority of India Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India Centres, promoting fitness and sustainability nationwide.