Fit India Sundays on Cycle Revives National Fitness Spirit
A Vibrant Comeback in the Capital
The Fit India initiative, known as Sundays on Cycle (SoC), made a lively return in the national capital on Sunday. Over 1,000 participants, including 500 Young Leaders, took part in a fitness festival followed by a cycling rally, braving the chilly 6-degree winter morning at 7 AM.
Prominent Figures Lead the Rally
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded the cycling event, joined by tennis icon Leander Paes, badminton star Pullela Gopichand, and emerging international wrestler Shivani Pawar. The Young Leaders, gathered for the three-day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, were special guests at the 56th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, which took place at 15,000 locations nationwide. Bhopal hosted a major event, attended by Madhya Pradesh's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vishvas Kailash Sarang, who inaugurated the cycling rally alongside actress Payal Rohatgi and a host of athletes, including Olympian judoka Garima Choudhary.
Leadership Insights from Cycling
During the event in Delhi, Mandaviya emphasized, "A healthy body is the foundation of strong leadership. Cycling imparts vital leadership lessons—knowing when to accelerate, when to decelerate, and how to maintain balance to progress in life."
Sports Legends Support the Initiative
Gopichand praised the Union Minister's initiative, stating, "It's inspiring to see a Minister actively promoting fitness as part of daily life and leading the movement. His participation on Sunday mornings after a busy week reflects his dedication to fostering a Fit India."
He further noted, "In today's world, we often forget to enjoy nature and engage with the outdoors, so I commend everyone who participated today."
Paes highlighted the significance of community fitness initiatives like Fit India, saying, "Fitness is a collective effort; it requires motivation from one another. It's not just about physical strength but also mental well-being, achievable through community events like this. I applaud the Sports Minister for creating such a unique initiative, especially as it unfolds across the nation."
A Festival of Fitness for Everyone
The morning festivities included an energetic Zumba session, relaxing yoga, and impressive performances of electric Mallakhamb and rope-skipping, which delighted the audience.
Fit India Ambassadors Timsy Bector and Divya Ahuja participated and shared essential winter fitness tips, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and simple warm-ups at home, especially for the elderly who may not be able to go outside.
This multi-activity event has become a cherished Sunday morning gathering for families. Yogesh Pant, a 33-year-old IT professional, expressed his joy, stating, "I rarely have time during the week to spend with my family. This event is perfect; my father practiced yoga, and we all enjoyed Zumba together. My 4-year-old loved being part of the crowd, and we captured wonderful memories. We plan to return every week."
Bhopal's Mega Event
In Bhopal, Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Fit India, Hit India.' The participation of over 1,500 individuals demonstrated that the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative resonates with the public.
"Such a fitness carnival is rare in Bhopal," remarked local resident Rakesh Sharma, who attended with his family. "I initially came to observe, but the energy drew me in. Witnessing people of all ages moving, dancing, cycling, and smiling together inspires a lifestyle change," he added.
Actress Payal Rohatgi, present at the Bhopal event, noted the importance of initiatives like Fit India Sundays on Cycle in raising fitness awareness. "If our population adopts this healthy lifestyle, we will nurture more athletes and Olympians in the future. It's remarkable that our Union Sports Minister is an enthusiastic cyclist and consistently participates in these events himself," Rohatgi stated.
Inspiring Presence of Athletes
The event also featured notable athletes such as cricketer Aniket Umashankar Verma, junior hockey international Abdul Ahad, footballer Vishal Joon, canoe sprint athlete Jaspreet Singh, judokas Shraddha Kadubal Chopade, Yash Ganghas, and young Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee Yogita Mandavi. Their participation added a motivational element to an event that has evolved into a grassroots movement.
Fitness as a Pillar of Nation-Building
The 56th edition, dedicated to Young Leaders, alongside citizens, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, reinforces the idea that physical fitness is crucial for nation-building and leadership. The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has become a vital component of the Viksit Bharat journey.