Indian Wrestlers Gear Up for Asian Games Amidst Fitness Celebrations
Wrestlers Set Their Sights on the Asian Games
Indian wrestlers Priya Malik and Diksha Malik are eagerly preparing for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled to commence in September this year.
The two athletes shared their thoughts during the 73rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, held in the national capital, where members of the Indian Armed Forces were also in attendance.
Priya, who is the reigning under-20 world champion in women's freestyle wrestling (76 kg), recently clinched a gold medal at the 2023 U20 World Wrestling Championships and also triumphed at the 2024 U23 Asian Wrestling Championships.
In contrast, Diksha earned a silver medal at the 2026 Zagreb Open Ranking Series in the 72 kg category earlier this year and has proudly represented India at the 2025 U23 World Championships.
Both athletes are also serving members of the Indian Army.
Wrestlers Aim for Asian Games Gold
During the event, Priya expressed her excitement about participating, highlighting the significance of fitness and commemorating the one-year anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which was initiated by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the Pahalgam attacks last year.
She stated, "I feel honored to be invited for this cause. If individuals engage in these small initiatives, we can enhance our performance in sports. It ultimately depends on whether they view sports as a viable career or merely a means to stay fit."
Priya is focused on the Asian Games trials set for May 30, aiming to secure a gold medal at the continental competition from September 19 to October 4. "My preparations for the Asian Games are progressing well. I am determined to win a gold medal," she affirmed.
Diksha also shared her enthusiasm for the event, expressing that she feels "extremely blessed" to experience the vibrant energy of the participants. "This is my first time witnessing such energy, and it’s incredible. I learned that 28 lakh people have joined this initiative, and I’m thrilled to be part of it," she remarked.
She emphasized the importance of public participation in such activities, noting that health is paramount. Diksha believes that grassroots initiatives can cultivate future athletes capable of representing India at the Olympics. "This initiative sends a strong message about the importance of sports, and these small efforts can help us achieve our Olympic goals," she added.
Regarding her immediate wrestling goals, Diksha stated, "My primary focus is on performing well in the Asian Games trials on May 30. All my preparations are directed towards that."
73rd Fit India Sundays on Cycle
The event attracted over 800 participants, including 60 representatives from the armed forces—20 each from the Army, Navy, and Air Force—alongside athletes, fitness enthusiasts, students, and families.
Adding to the spectacle, around 15 members of the Indian Air Force Cricket Team joined the cycling group, creating a striking visual as they cycled in formation through the streets of Delhi, as reported by a media release.
The event was graced by senior officials, including Group Captain MLS Prasad from the Indian Air Force, Lt Col Dara Singh from the Indian Army, and Captain Manish Sain from the Indian Navy, along with wrestlers Priya and Diksha, both affiliated with the Indian Army.
The atmosphere was reminiscent of a patriotic fitness carnival, featuring high-energy Zumba sessions, yoga demonstrations, rope skipping, volleyball matches, lemon-spoon races, and recreational zones that kept participants engaged throughout.
A special yoga consultation booth, supported by the Ministry of AYUSH under its Yoga 365 initiative, attracted many attendees, offering wellness assessments and guided sessions with yoga experts.
About the Initiative
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat.
Launched in December 2024 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, this initiative has evolved into a significant public movement, with over 28 lakh citizens participating across more than 2.63 lakh locations nationwide since its inception.
The cycling initiative is conducted simultaneously across 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).