Fit India Sundays on Cycle: A Nationwide Movement for Health and Fitness
Promoting Active Lifestyles Across India
Renowned Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala and international fencer Taniksha Khatri have expressed their support for the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, which aims to encourage citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles through cycling. This initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also aims to reduce air pollution. They were joined by Zumba and wellness coach Akanksha Tagotra and Fit India ambassador Nancy, as reported by SAI Media.
A Grand Fitness Event at Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex
The Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex became a hub of fitness activities, featuring Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping, with over 1,000 participants joining in. This marked the 63rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, held simultaneously at 1,000 locations across the country in collaboration with the Fire and Emergency Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Anish Bhanwala's Insights on Fitness and Future Aspirations
"I commend the Government of India, the Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India for their continuous efforts in organizing Fit India Sundays on Cycle for the 63rd week. This initiative raises awareness about fitness among citizens. The combination of cycling with Zumba, rope skipping, and yoga makes it enjoyable for all ages. Collaborating with the Fire and Emergency Services Department adds a unique touch, as firefighters play a crucial role in our lives," Bhanwala stated after cycling along the Mother Teresa Crescent road near the President's Estate.
Bhanwala, who is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and trains at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, recently secured a bronze medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at the Asian Championships in New Delhi. The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, who represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is now focused on winning a medal at the Asian Games to enhance his chances for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "Achieving a medal at the Asian Championships was a positive step; my form is improving, and I have been diligently training over the past year. The Asian Games are crucial as they serve as qualifiers for the LA 2028 Olympics. My goal is to secure a medal in LA 2028," he added.
Taniksha Khatri's Ambitions for the Asian Games
Taniksha, who recently participated in a month-long national camp for Epee at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, is determined to win a medal at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. With India hosting the Asian Championships for the first time this June, she sees it as an opportunity to compete against the best in Asia. "Competing in front of my home crowd during the Asian Championships will be an incredible experience. More importantly, it will help popularize fencing, which is often viewed as a niche sport. The Asian Championships will also serve as qualifiers for the Asian Games, where I reached the quarterfinals last time in Hangzhou. This time, I aim to go further and win a medal at the Asiad," the 23-year-old from Karnal shared.
"Seeing so many people engaging in yoga, Zumba, and cycling today was truly inspiring. This initiative is for everyone, regardless of age. I encourage everyone to dedicate one hour each day to their fitness," she added.
Celebrating Fitness in Visakhapatnam
In Visakhapatnam, 800 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts gathered at RK Beach, creating a vibrant atmosphere celebrating health and national spirit. The event showcased fitness in an inclusive manner, with participants ranging from children cycling with their parents to senior citizens riding with determination. This gathering marked the beginning of the three-day Fit India Carnival 2026, organized by the Sports Authority of India, featuring various fitness workshops, competitions, demonstrations, and mass participation activities.
Dignitaries present included Sh Animini Ravi Naidu Garu, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, Sh P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), MLA Visakhapatnam (West), and senior officials from the Sports Authority of India, including Sh Vishnu Sudhakaran, Regional Director, SAI NSSC, Bengaluru. Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist Jinson Johnson, a national record holder in the 1500m, added significant sporting prestige to the event.
Johnson expressed optimism about India's athletics future, highlighting the country's renewed focus on major competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games. "I believe many middle-distance runners will excel for India at the Tokyo Games this time. They have been training diligently," said Johnson, who is now retired. He emphasized that community fitness initiatives like Sundays on Cycle are essential for fostering discipline, endurance, and active lifestyles from the grassroots level.
A Nationwide Movement for Fitness
Initiated in December 2024 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a significant movement, engaging over 2.5 million citizens across more than 250,000 locations nationwide.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is organized weekly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Sports Authority of India, in collaboration with partners such as the Cycling Federation of India, Mallakhamb Association, Kudo Association, NaMo Cycling Clubs, Indian Rope Skipping Federation, My Bharat, and Yogasana Bharat.