Fit India Sundays on Cycle Celebrates National Pride and Fitness Revolution
A Nationwide Celebration of Fitness
The 52nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle took place on Sunday at over 10,000 locations across the country, with the main event hosted in the culturally rich city of Varanasi. This special edition highlighted the contributions of Private Security Guards.
Honoring a Significant Achievement
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya remarked, "Today's grand event at the esteemed Banaras Hindu University (BHU) celebrates India's achievement in securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. For the first time, notable figures from music and culture participated in Varanasi. Private security guards, who diligently ensure our safety, joined our athletes in this celebration of sports culture."
An Energetic Gathering
The event at BHU transformed the streets of Kashi into a vibrant celebration of health and unity, attracting around 1,000 participants, including citizens, athletes, cultural icons, and students. In addition to cycling, activities such as Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping were also organized.
Cultural Icons and Athletes Unite
The event featured prominent cultural figures, including Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of State for Ayush, and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sajan Mishra. Top athletes like boxer Amit Panghal and weightlifter Sunil Singh also graced the occasion.
Voices of Leaders on Fitness and National Pride
Daya Shankar Mishra expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating the Fit India Movement, which has turned fitness into a national priority. He praised the event for embodying the spirit of a healthy and empowered New India.
Padma Bhushan Sajan Mishra shared his excitement about the upcoming Commonwealth Games, emphasizing the importance of fitness in achieving success in sports.
Mahant Vishambhar Nath Mishra of Sankat Mochan Temple called for regular fitness activities in the city, stressing that a healthy populace contributes to a stronger nation.
Athletes Celebrate CWG 2030 Announcement
The event underscored the significance of fitness in a sporting nation. Amit Panghal, a gold medalist at CWG 2022, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Commonwealth Games again, believing it would inspire more athletes to excel.
Pooja Sihag, a CWG 2022 bronze medalist, reflected on how the 2010 Commonwealth Games inspired her journey in sports, highlighting the potential for India to host the Olympics in the future.
A Nationwide Fitness Movement
While Varanasi served as the focal point, thousands of events occurred simultaneously across India. Over 4,000 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs, along with countless citizens, participated in this community-driven fitness initiative.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) facilitated activities at various SAI Training Centres and Khelo India Centres nationwide, ensuring a broad reach for the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative.
Upcoming events will take place in Goa, Puducherry, and Kolkata, with the first anniversary edition scheduled for December 21 in Puducherry. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya noted that in just one year, the initiative has connected over 100,000 people weekly.