Fit India’s flagship mass fitness initiative, Sundays on Cycle, witnessed strong participation in the national capital on Sunday, bringing together over 1,000 citizens, including 500 young delegates of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the cycling rally, braving the winter chill at 7 AM. He was joined by sports icons Leander Paes, Pullela Gopichand and wrestler Shivani Pawar. The 56th edition of the event was simultaneously organised at around 15,000 locations across the country, with Bhopal hosting a major gathering flagged off by Madhya Pradesh Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang.
Speaking at the Delhi event, Dr. Mandaviya said, “A healthy body is the foundation of strong leadership. Cycling teaches us when to pedal fast, when to slow down and how to maintain balance to keep moving forward in life.”
Tennis legend Leander Paes called the movement a “phenomenal” community effort, highlighting the role of collective motivation in promoting physical and mental fitness. Badminton icon Pullela Gopichand also praised the initiative, noting the Minister’s personal participation as a strong message of commitment to public fitness.
The morning programme included yoga and Zumba sessions along with electric Mallakhamb and rope-skipping demonstrations. Fit India Ambassadors Timsy Bector and Divya Ahuja shared winter-fitness tips, encouraging simple home workouts for all age groups.
In Bhopal, Minister Sarang reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Fit India, Hit India’, while actress Payal Rohatgi emphasised the link between fitness culture and sporting excellence.
Athletes including cricketer Aniket Umashankar Verma, junior hockey international Abdul Ahad, footballer Vishal Joon, canoeist Jaspreet Singh, judokas Shraddha Chopade, Yash Ganghas and PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee Yogita Mandavi also attended, adding to the event’s sporting spirit.
The edition, dedicated to Young Leaders, underscored the role of physical fitness in nation-building and leadership. Sundays on Cycle is supported by the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, My Bharat and Fit India Cycling Clubs.
