The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ event, part of the Fit India Movement’s flagship programme, took place at the iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai on Sunday. Over 500 cyclists, including wellness experts, cycling enthusiasts, and members of various cycle clubs, participated in the ride, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of fitness and promote cycling as a sustainable solution for pollution. The cyclists rode from the Gateway of India to Girgaon Chowpatty via the scenic Marine Drive.
The event was led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs, Sports, Labour, and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. His participation underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fit and healthy India and his recent call to tackle obesity, particularly among urban youth. The theme for this week’s ride was #FightObesity.
Joining Dr. Mandaviya at the event were notable personalities, including wellness expert Dr. Mickey Mehta, designer and social worker Shaina NC, Maharashtra UPA-Lokayukta and Heartfulness Meditation trainer Sanjay Bhatia, and IPS officer Krishna Prakash, the first Indian Police Service officer to complete the Ironman Triathlon. Many other dignitaries such as Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mayank Srivastav, SAI Mumbai Regional Director Pandurang Chate also participated in the event.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the Prime Minister’s emphasis on fitness as a cornerstone for a developed India. “A Viksit Bharat can only be built by fit citizens who contribute to nation-building. ‘Sundays on Cycle’ encourages people to adopt cycling not only for better health but also for the environment, as it leaves no carbon footprint,” said Dr. Mandaviya. He encouraged youth to incorporate cycling into their daily routines to fight obesity and improve overall well-being.
Shaina NC lauded the initiative, expressing her appreciation for the enthusiastic participation. “I wish the ride was longer than 5 kilometers,” she said, emphasizing the importance of fighting obesity in today’s increasingly sedentary world. Wellness expert Dr. Mickey Mehta also endorsed the initiative, calling cycling a celebration of life and commending the mass participation in the event, which he believed would inspire many to lead healthier lifestyles.
In New Delhi, over 170 riders, including 2024 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship bronze medalist Shivani Pawar, participated in a simultaneous event at the Dhyanchand National Stadium. Pawar expressed her excitement at seeing people of all ages take part, highlighting the need for parents to actively encourage their children to engage in sports and fitness activities.
IRS officer Narendra Yadav led another cycling drive in Faridabad, which saw over 150 cyclists, including athletes and yoga instructors from Patanjali Yog Sansthan, join the ride.
The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative, launched on December 17, 2024, has since expanded to over 3,500 locations across India. On February 16, the event was held at more than 100 locations nationwide, with prominent athletes, wellness experts, and cycling clubs participating.