Celebrating Nature and Fitness: Highlights from the 66th Fit India Sundays on Cycle
A Vibrant Morning at India Gate
The 66th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was marked by a striking display of Forest Guards, clad in their uniforms, riding bicycles through India Gate. This event took place on a lively Sunday morning.
The event commenced at the renowned Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, creating a sense of pride as an army band played patriotic melodies and conch shells were sounded. This initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, successfully combined purpose with participation. It brought together citizens, athletes, forest officials, and fitness enthusiasts in a unique homage to nature and healthy living. Over 500 cyclists participated in the special 'Guardians of Nature' edition, celebrating World Forest Day and World Water Day, while also highlighting India's upcoming role as the host for the Commonwealth Games 2030.
A Morning of Fitness and Competition
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as participants of all ages gathered before dawn for energetic Zumba sessions, yoga practices, and rope skipping activities prior to the cycling races. The inaugural Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) Fit India Cyclothon took place, allowing everyone to join in, with winners being recognized.
Recognizing Guardians and Supporters
Among those honored was Dr. P Viswakannan, the Chief Conservator of Forest, who exemplifies the crucial connection between environmental conservation and sustainable living—central to this edition's 'Guardians of Nature' theme.
Bibhuti Pradhan from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Nishant Kumar from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) were also recognized for their significant contributions, showcasing the essential role of corporate and institutional support in expanding this movement nationwide.
Key officials from the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), including Sabeena Chowdhary, Lalit Kumar Watts, and Sandeep Sarkaria, were acknowledged for their ongoing commitment to promoting sports and fitness through structured initiatives and collaborations. Their recognition highlighted the cooperative ecosystem that drives Fit India Sundays on Cycle, where government bodies, public sector organizations, and sports institutions unite to transform a weekly cycling event into a national movement for health, fitness, and environmental awareness.
Honoring Athletes and Environmental Advocates
A significant moment of the morning was the recognition of forest guards and distinguished former athletes for their contributions to both sports and environmental stewardship. Honorees included Arjuna Awardee shooter Shilpi Bisht, international basketball player Mohit Bhandari, international hockey player Kushmeet Singh, carrom player Rashmi Kumari, and MTB freestyle cyclist and Fit India Ambassador Rahul Pradhan. Their presence served as an inspiration, reinforcing the message that fitness and environmental responsibility are interconnected.
Results from the Competitive Races
The competitive segment of the morning saw enthusiastic participation across various categories, with riders challenging themselves on a 5 km route. In the results, SK Prajapati from IOCL secured first place in the men's category under 45 years, while Kushmeet Singh, also from IOCL, won in the above 45 years category. Among women, Preeti Mane from BPCL triumphed in the below 45 years race, and Ranjana Anand from IOCL topped the above 45 years category, showcasing strong participation from diverse sectors.
Community Ride and Festive Atmosphere
After the competitive races, a larger community cycling ride was initiated, transforming the venue into a vibrant wave of cyclists advocating for a cause. Additional activity zones engaged participants with yoga, music, recreational games, and interactive spaces, creating a festive atmosphere that extended beyond cycling.
A Growing Nationwide Movement
This edition marked another milestone in the rapid expansion of the Sundays on Cycle movement, which has evolved into a nationwide campaign promoting fitness as a daily practice while encouraging environmentally sustainable habits. By incorporating themes such as carbon reduction and conservation, the initiative continues to broaden its impact beyond health into greater societal awareness.
Launched in December 2024 under the guidance of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is becoming a powerful symbol of community-driven wellness. With millions of citizens participating across thousands of locations weekly, the initiative reinforces Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making fitness a lifestyle while addressing critical issues like obesity and pollution.