Fit India Celebrates 97th Sundays on Cycle Event in New Delhi
Fit India Hosts 97th Edition of Sundays on Cycle in New Delhi
Today marked the 97th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle (SoC) event, held at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex in Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. This occasion celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week, themed 'One Week, Seven Actions. One Planet'. Approximately 1,000 fitness enthusiasts gathered in the capital on the first morning of November, despite the chilly temperatures. This event is part of the nationwide Sundays on Cycle initiative organized by Fit India, which has seen simultaneous participation across the country. Since its inception in December 2024, the campaign has attracted nearly 37 lakh participants from around 31,000 locations in India, showcasing almost two years of consistent weekly engagement, according to a press release from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Promoting a Culture of Fitness
At the event, special guest Deepak Sharma, a jailor and accomplished bodybuilder, expressed his excitement, stating, "The energy surrounding fitness here is truly inspiring, and it’s heartening to see the youth engaging with this initiative so passionately. As responsible citizens, we should actively participate in such events and integrate fitness into our daily routines. The fact that nearly 37 lakh individuals across the nation have joined Sundays on Cycle in under two years highlights the increasing fitness awareness among the populace. Fitness is genuine wealth, and we should adhere to the motto – 'Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz'," added the Fit India Champion.
Diverse Participation and Community Spirit
The event showcased an impressive array of guests from various fields, including fitness, sports, yoga, academia, and cycling. Notable attendees included Deepak, a celebrated bodybuilder with numerous accolades; Jyoti Bharti, a national-level table tennis player and fitness coach; and Pankhuri Srivastava, a yoga and meditation coach and Fit India Ambassador. The gathering also featured representatives from the Navyoga community, such as Santosh Srivastava from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, Dr. Swadesh Singh from the University of Delhi, and Dr. Yogesh Sharma from Kalindi College. Additionally, members of the NaMo Clubs and Cycling Advisory Committee, including Jagdeep Singh Puri from Turbanators Cycling Club and Shri Dalip Singh Sabharwal, participated, reinforcing the community spirit and cycling advocacy.
Engaging Activities for All
The event kicked off with the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, led by Fit India Ambassador Pankhuri Srivastava, urging participants to make healthy lifestyle choices and contribute to a drug-free society. The morning included a 5-km cycling ride along a designated route, complemented by various engaging activities aimed at encouraging participation from all age groups. Highlights included a dedicated Yoga Corner, light Zumba sessions, a photo booth, interactive activities at the Fitspire stall, a Game Zone powered by Raahgiri Foundation, and a recreation zone, fostering an energetic and inclusive fitness atmosphere.
The 97th edition was organized with support from partners such as Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bharat, Fitspire, Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Mission LiFE, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. With participation expanding across thousands of locations, Fit India Sundays on Cycle continues to cultivate a nationwide movement that transforms fitness into a community-driven celebration, encouraging citizens to adopt cycling, physical activity, and sustainable living as part of their daily lives.