Fit India Sundays on Cycle Celebrates National Fitness Movement in Varanasi

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event recently took place in Varanasi, celebrating fitness and culture while highlighting India's achievement of hosting the Commonwealth Games 2030. With over 10,000 locations participating nationwide, the event brought together citizens, athletes, and cultural icons to promote a healthier lifestyle. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of fitness in achieving national pride, while notable figures like Amit Panghal and Pooja Sihag inspired the youth to engage in sports. This initiative continues to foster a community-driven fitness revolution across India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 8, 2025, 02:09 IST

A Nationwide Celebration of Fitness

On December 7, the 52nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle took place at over 10,000 locations across India, with a significant event hosted in the culturally rich city of Varanasi. This special edition highlighted the contributions of Private Security Guards.

The event was themed around India's recent achievement of securing the Commonwealth Games 2030 hosting rights, blending fitness, culture, and national pride. This edition particularly focused on Private Security Guards, continuing the initiative's mission to engage various professional communities. Previous editions have successfully included lawyers, doctors, and nutritionists, fostering a community-driven fitness movement.

Celebrating Sports and Culture

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya remarked, "Today's grand event at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) celebrates India's milestone of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. For the first time, we have cultural icons joining us, alongside the dedicated Private Security Guards who play a crucial role in our society's safety. Their presence alongside our athletes showcases the growth of our sports culture."

The event transformed the streets of Kashi into a vibrant celebration of health and unity, attracting around 1,000 participants, including citizens, athletes, cultural figures, and students. In addition to cycling, activities such as Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping were also part of the morning's festivities.

Cultural Icons Join the Movement

Notable figures at the event included Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of State for Ayush, and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sajan Mishra, who expressed gratitude for the Fit India Movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mishra emphasized the importance of fitness in achieving success, stating, "Cycling is integral to Fit India, and we must continue these efforts."

Mahant Vishambhar Nath Mishra of Sankat Mochan Temple echoed the sentiment, advocating for regular fitness activities in the city to combat laziness and promote national health.

Inspiring Future Generations

Amit Panghal, gold medalist at CWG 2022, highlighted the significance of hosting the Commonwealth Games again, stating, "This is a fantastic opportunity for more athletes to participate and excel. Initiatives like Sundays on Cycle will inspire youth to embrace fitness and sports."

Pooja Sihag, a bronze medalist at CWG 2022, shared her excitement about the upcoming games, recalling how the 2010 Commonwealth Games inspired her journey in sports. She acknowledged the Prime Minister's support for the Fit India Movement.

A Nationwide Movement

While Varanasi was the focal point, thousands of events occurred simultaneously across India, with over 4,000 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs participating. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) played a crucial role in organizing activities at various SAI Training Centres and Khelo India Centres nationwide.

The NaMo Cycling Clubs in Rajasthan also contributed significantly to the event's success, with Union Minister Arjun Meghwal joining the celebrations in Bikaner. Upcoming events are planned in Goa, Puducherry, and Kolkata, with the first anniversary of Sundays on Cycle set for December 21 in Puducherry.