Fit India’s 83rd ‘Sundays on Cycle’ Marks Kargil Vijay Diwas with Nationwide Tribute to Bravehearts

New Delhi, Sun July 26, 2026:

The Fit India Movement dedicated the 83rd edition of its flagship ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign to the memory of India’s Kargil heroes, with thousands of citizens across the country joining a nationwide cycling drive on Sunday. The special edition, organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, witnessed participation from members of the Armed Forces, students, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and people from diverse backgrounds, all united in honouring the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

The cycling campaign was conducted simultaneously across numerous locations, stretching from Leh in Ladakh to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres, Khelo India centres and regional sports institutions hosted the programme, where young athletes and local communities cycled together to pay tribute to the nation’s war heroes while promoting the message of fitness.

In the national capital, personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force participated alongside civilians in a symbolic ride that highlighted national unity and respect for the country’s defenders. The event served as both a remembrance ceremony and a call to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity.

Speaking during the programme, Major Shubhanshu Bharadwaj praised the enthusiastic response from young participants, stating that the large turnout reflected growing awareness about both national service and personal fitness. He said that maintaining good health is essential for building a stronger nation and appreciated the Fit India Movement for creating opportunities that connect patriotism with physical well-being.

The event also coincided with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Maitreyi College, University of Delhi. Students and faculty members actively participated in the cycling drive, reinforcing the role of educational institutions in encouraging fitness, leadership and civic responsibility among youth.

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the college’s emphasis on sports and extracurricular development and lauded the collaboration between Maitreyi College and the Fit India Movement. He observed that such initiatives inspire young people to adopt disciplined and active lifestyles while contributing positively to society.

The latest edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ also witnessed participation from members of the SHOR Foundation, adding further community support to the nationwide initiative.

A major announcement during the event was the launch of the Fit India Volunteers Programme. The initiative aims to provide young people with practical exposure to organising large-scale sporting and fitness events. Registered volunteers will receive official Fit India certificates acknowledging their contribution and experience. Several students from Maitreyi College enrolled for the programme through the Fit India online portal during the event.

Among the participants was Delhi-based IT professional Rohit Dwivedi, who regularly joins the weekly cycling campaign. He described the Kargil-themed edition as particularly meaningful, saying that interacting with serving and retired defence personnel deepened his appreciation for the sacrifices made by India’s Armed Forces and strengthened his sense of national responsibility.

Over the years, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ has evolved into one of India’s prominent community fitness initiatives, encouraging citizens to embrace cycling as a healthy, eco-friendly and sustainable habit. The programme continues to attract participants from different age groups while promoting awareness about physical fitness and environmental conservation.

The Fit India Movement, launched by the Government of India, seeks to encourage citizens to make fitness an integral part of daily life. The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign, envisioned by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat. The programme is held simultaneously across States and Union Territories through SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.