Union Sports Minister Advocates Cycling for Health and Environment in Varanasi

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently participated in the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event in Varanasi, promoting cycling as a means to enhance physical fitness, reduce pollution, and conserve fuel. The initiative, themed 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat,' aims to inspire youth to adopt a drug-free lifestyle while encouraging an active way of living. With participation from citizens and sports icons, the event underscores the importance of collective action in fostering a healthier society. The Fit India Sundays initiative is organized nationwide, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting fitness and environmental awareness.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 11, 2026, 12:57 IST

Cycling Promoted for Fitness and Environmental Benefits

On Sunday, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of cycling for enhancing physical fitness, reducing pollution, and conserving fuel during the Fit India Sundays on Cycle (SoC) event held at Namo Ghat in Varanasi.

The 94th edition of this initiative took place along the route from Namo Ghat to Diksha Mandap at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, starting at 6:00 AM. The theme for this event was 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat,' aiming to inspire youth and promote a drug-free lifestyle. The gathering included young individuals, fitness advocates, local citizens, and sports personalities, all united to encourage an active lifestyle and discourage substance abuse, as stated in a release from the Union Sports Ministry.

Minister Discusses Cycling's Advantages

In his remarks to the media, Mandaviya highlighted that cycling not only fosters fitness but also plays a crucial role in minimizing pollution and fuel usage, thereby aiding in the conservation of foreign exchange reserves and alleviating traffic congestion.

"Today, volunteers from MY Bharat have organized a 'Sunday on Cycles' event at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Cycling is essential for fitness and serves as an excellent exercise option. It also addresses pollution issues, saves fuel, and helps conserve our foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, cycling can significantly reduce traffic congestion," he stated.

Advocating for a Healthier, Drug-Free Society

The event successfully gathered citizens, youth, fitness enthusiasts, and sports community members to advocate for cycling as an easy, accessible, and sustainable method to maintain an active lifestyle. The initiative aims to reinforce the idea that fitness should be a daily commitment and that sports and physical activities are vital in fostering a healthier, stronger, and drug-free India.

This campaign aligns with the broader goal of promoting a Fit India and a society free from drugs, encouraging individuals to incorporate cycling, walking, and other physical activities into their everyday lives. It also stresses that combating substance abuse requires collective efforts from families, communities, educational institutions, and sports figures to guide youth towards positive choices.

Nationwide Cycling Initiative

Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat.

This cycling initiative is executed 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).

Additionally, over 6,000 NAMO Fit India Clubs conduct this cycling initiative nationwide every week.