The 83rd edition of the Fit India Movement’s flagship ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign was dedicated to Kargil Vijay Diwas, bringing together members of the Armed Forces, students, youth and fitness enthusiasts across the country to honour the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
Cycling events were organised nationwide, from Leh to Kanyakumari, with enthusiastic participation at Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres, where young athletes pedalled in memory of the Kargil heroes. Serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, citizens and cycling enthusiasts also joined the nationwide tribute.
In New Delhi, the event witnessed the participation of personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, who cycled alongside civilians in a symbolic show of unity and remembrance. Major Shubhanshu Bharadwaj praised the initiative, saying it was encouraging to see young people combining fitness with a tribute to the nation’s war heroes. He emphasised that physical fitness is vital for building a stronger nation and described initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle as an important step towards that goal.
Students and faculty members of Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, also participated as part of the institution’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the growing link between youth engagement, fitness and nation-building.
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant attended the event as the chief guest and commended the Fit India Movement for promoting healthy lifestyles through community participation. He also lauded Maitreyi College for its emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities, saying the collaboration with the Fit India Movement would have a positive impact on young people.
On the occasion, the Fit India Movement launched a volunteer registration programme aimed at providing youth with exposure to sports management and the organisation of large-scale fitness events. Registered volunteers will receive Fit India certificates in recognition of their contribution, with several students from Maitreyi College enrolling through the Fit India portal.
The event also saw participation from members of the SHOR Foundation and regular cycling enthusiasts, many of whom described the Kargil Vijay Diwas-themed edition as an inspiring experience that reinforced both national pride and the importance of fitness.
Launched by the Government of India, the Fit India Movement encourages citizens to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. Conceived by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat. The weekly initiative 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.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas edition of Sundays on Cycle served as a fitting tribute to India’s war heroes while reinforcing the message of fitness, community participation and national unity.
