Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya today led the nationwide 80th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
More than 9,000 people participated in the National Capital, joining community cycling and running events alongside Yoga and Zumba sessions. Across the country, the initiative was also organised in association with the Art of Living, Heartfulness and the Isha Foundation.
Launched in December 2024 by Dr Mandaviya, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign has evolved into a nationwide fitness movement, encouraging citizens to devote “fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz” by setting aside at least 30 minutes every day for physical activity. More than 30 lakh people have participated in the initiative across thousands of locations nationwide.
The weekly programme promotes fitness through activities such as cycling, running, Yoga and Zumba while also featuring dedicated game zones for children with attractions including life-sized chess, ludo, carrom, table tennis, futsal and badminton.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya reiterated the importance of fitness in building a healthy nation.
“One out of 4 persons in India is overweight. Fitness is essential for all citizens. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept the target of a Viksit Bharat in 2047. For any country to be counted as a developed nation the health of its citizens is essential and further to remain healthy, citizens need to be fit. I would urge all Indians to set aside at least one hour from their mobile screens and dedicate that time to their personal health by engaging in sports activities. Sundays on Cycle is a part of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Fit India movement and all citizens must run or cycle to keep their heart and body healthy.”
The event began with Vedic invocations and ceremonial lamp lighting by Dr Mandaviya.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India. The programme is conducted 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.
