Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted fitness as key for nation-building while leading the 69th Fit India Sundays on Cycle. The event took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, on April 12, with citizens urged to embrace active lifestyles.
Dr Mandaviya said, "Sunday on Cycle, has become a nationwide movement. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi, the youth of the country have become more aware of fitness. Prime Minister Modi has given the message of Fit India. This is not just a message, but a necessity for Viksit Bharat.
Emphasising the role of citizens, he said India can become a developed nation only if people, especially the youth, stay fit. "A healthy citizen builds a healthy society, and a healthy society makes
a nation developed, he said, urging youth to join the Sunday on Cycle movement.
The Minister underlined sustainability through the Fit India App. The app lets users earn carbon credits by cycling. These credits promote eco-friendly mobility and healthy habits. People can redeem credits to buy products. Soon, the cycling leaderboard will also receive material rewards.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium turned into a fitness hub.
The venue saw high-decibel music and group Zumba routines. Yoga mats covered multiple activity zones. Rows of cycles were set up for participants. The stadium turned into a morning fitness hub with structured sessions and open spaces for different activities and demonstrations.
Yoga demonstrations engaged early participants. Tug of war and rope-skipping attracted teams and children. Recreational game zones and photo booths added variety. Participants across ages, including celebrities, students, professionals, athletes and families, joined various interactive fitness engagements at the stadium.
Commonwealth Games 2014 bronze medallist boxer Pinki Jangra was felicitated. Fitness influencers Dinesh Shetty, a Muay Thai martial artist and winner of India's Ultimate Warrior, and Sonia Sisodia, a social activist, were also honoured for their roles in promoting physical activity and healthy habits.
Nukkad natak and youth engagement initiatives
A nukkad natak was staged by Raahgiri Foundation on "State Youth Leaders. They were special partners for this edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. The street play added community messaging, linking fitness with social awareness and youth leadership themes at the venue.
State Youth Leaders are part of the My Bharat initiative of the Government of India. My Bharat is a permanent Fit India partner, mobilising young volunteers. A special yoga consultation booth, supported by the Ministry of AYUSH under its Yoga 365 initiative, offered guided sessions and expert advice.
Neural fitness challenge and national scale roll-out
A smart wall fitness challenge for neural activity drew interest from many age groups. Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with partners including Cycling Federation of India, Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes and MY Bharat.
The cycling drive runs simultaneously across all States and Union Territories. It includes SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres. It has recorded over 28 lakh participants at more than 2.63 lakh locations nationwide since December 2024.
