Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Encourages Citizens to Embrace Fitness Through ‘Sundays on Cycle’

New Delhi, 17 August 2025 – Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, called upon citizens to adopt an active lifestyle by joining the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative from his native village, Hanol, in Palitana, Gujarat.

Launched by Dr. Mandaviya in December 2024, this nationwide cycling campaign has now reached over 46,000 locations with participation exceeding eight lakh individuals. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote a healthier and pollution-free India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized a special edition of Sundays on Cycle today in collaboration with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), reaching 5,000 locations across the country. Additionally, around 3,000 Namo Fit India Clubs joined the event.

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of the FIT India mobile app, urging citizens to track their cycling activity and calculate the carbon emissions saved. “The app not only monitors your health, including heart rate, distance, and time spent cycling, but also allows you to measure your contribution to reducing pollution,” he said. He encouraged everyone to take part in this initiative, noting that cycling is an excellent way to combat obesity while also benefiting the environment.

In Delhi, over 1,200 cyclists took part in rides around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, complemented by sessions of Zumba, yoga, meditation, and rope-skipping, coordinated by Dr. Shikha Gupta. Fencers Beni Quebha and Naziya Shaik also joined, supporting the campaign and emphasizing its value in raising awareness about the dangers of obesity and air pollution, particularly in Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities.

“This was my first time cycling with such a large group, and it was an incredible experience. Fit India Sundays on Cycle is an important initiative to educate people about lifestyle diseases and environmental issues. It was amazing to see participants enjoying a variety of activities, from Zumba and yoga to badminton and cricket. The message of embracing an active lifestyle resonated strongly with everyone,” said Beni Quebha, National Games fencing medallist.

At the Patiala Locomotive Works, more than 100 riders from the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) participated in the cycling drive, organized in conjunction with the Indian Railways’ cycling training camp. The event highlighted RSPB’s ongoing commitment to fostering fitness and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among athletes and employees.

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat. The program runs simultaneously in state capitals, Union Territories, SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), engaging participants across all age groups.