Fit India Cycling Event Celebrates National Sports Day with BRICS Dignitaries
Fit India Cycling Event Led by Notable Figures
On Sunday, a special edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, spearheaded by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir, wrestler Sangram Singh, and actress Madhurima Tuli. This event coincided with National Sports Day and was celebrated at over 25,000 locations nationwide, marking a significant achievement for the cycling initiative.
Significance of the Event for BRICS Summit
Mandaviya emphasized the importance of this 88th edition, as it aligns with India's hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13. He expressed, "This week's event is dedicated to our esteemed BRICS dignitaries attending the summit. We are thrilled to welcome them today."
He also highlighted the multiple advantages of cycling, including improved fitness, reduced pollution, and alleviated traffic congestion, encouraging citizens to incorporate cycling into their weekly routines. "The enthusiasm for cycling is on the rise across the nation, and 'Sundays on Cycle' is becoming a beloved activity. Let's take an hour each day to step outside, cycle, engage in sports, and maintain our fitness," Mandaviya stated.
Notable Attendees from BRICS Nations
The event saw participation from distinguished representatives of BRICS nations, including:
- Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa Syed Zulkarnain Wafa, Charge d'Affaires, High Commission of Malaysia
- Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of Vietnam
- Yudho Sasongko, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia
- Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador, Embassy of Belarus
- Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador, Embassy of Cuba
- Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador, Embassy of Ethiopia
- Roman Babushkin, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia
Senior officials present included Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Department of Sports; Sunil Paliwal, Secretary of the Department of Youth Affairs; and Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs.
Gautam Gambhir Encourages Youth Engagement
Padma Shree Gautam Gambhir, who initiated the cycling ride, remarked, "This government-organized event for Fit India is a remarkable initiative. A fitter India translates to a stronger and more self-reliant nation. We should not see this merely as an event but as a movement. It is our duty, especially for the youth present, to transform this into a movement that promotes fitness for everyone, leading to a healthier nation."
Enthusiastic Participation at the Event
More than 5,000 individuals, including youth, senior citizens, and representatives from BRICS nations, participated enthusiastically in cycling and other activities at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, as part of the BRICS Run & Ride 2026 initiative. The atmosphere was further enlivened by a performance from an ITBP brass band.
This edition was particularly meaningful as it followed National Sports Day, enhancing the spirit of fitness and active participation among citizens.
Overview of Fit India Sundays on Cycle
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is an initiative launched by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat. The program is executed across all States and Union Territories through the SAI and Khelo India network.
The cycling initiative takes place simultaneously in 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).