India Celebrates Commonwealth Day with Fit India Sundays Event
Commonwealth Day Celebrations Led by Delhi Education Minister
Delhi's Education Minister Ashish Sood spearheaded the Commonwealth Day festivities during the 75th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This event marks India's successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, two decades after the last games were held in New Delhi. Notably, India achieved over 100 medals during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Star Athletes Join the Celebration
The event was attended by notable Commonwealth Games medallists, including Pooja Dhanda, Pooja Sihag, and Ravi Kumar. Pooja Dhanda earned a silver medal in wrestling at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, while Ravi Kumar secured a bronze in the 10m air rifle event. Pooja Sihag also brought home a bronze from the 2022 Birmingham Games. Fit India ambassadors Mahey Alam, Timsi Bector, and Pankhuri Srivastava were also present.
A Successful 75th Fit India Sundays Event
Initiated by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in December 2024, the 75th Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw an impressive turnout of 80,000 participants across 8,000 locations nationwide. Approximately 1,500 individuals engaged in cycling, complemented by various recreational activities such as Yoga, rope skipping, and Zumba. A street play themed around the Commonwealth Games 2030 was performed by the Raahgiri Foundation.
Ashish Sood Discusses Fitness and Future of Sports in India
On the sidelines of the event, Ashish Sood remarked, "This initiative by the Government of India is unique. The Prime Minister's fitness appeal motivates everyone to remain active. Instead of seeking medical help for fitness issues, cycling for just 30 minutes can greatly enhance health. Today, we celebrate India's successful bid for the #CWG2030InBharat. This major event, expected to involve 72 countries, returns to India after 20 years, thanks to PM Modi's visionary leadership. It will strengthen our aspirations to host the Olympic Games in 2036. I also express gratitude to everyone who has gathered here, contributing to this cause in their own way."
Highlights of the Event and Its Organization
The cycling initiative has attracted over 3 million fitness enthusiasts across 300,000 locations. A fun sports zone was established, allowing participants to try badminton, chess, carrom, and ludo. Various activities such as lemon races, ball games, tug of war, squat challenges, and push-up contests were also organized.
Additionally, a special exhibition showcasing India's sporting achievements over the past 12 years was presented, highlighting milestones from the Khelo India Mission, advancements in sports infrastructure, and the growth of the sports goods manufacturing sector.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat. The cycling drive takes place simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).