Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse led the BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam on Sunday as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle.
The event was organised on the sidelines of the BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India and brought together senior representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and South Africa.
With ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ as the theme for this week’s cycling drive, the event showcased the role of sport and fitness in strengthening international friendship and people-to-people ties among BRICS nations.
Addressing participants, Dr. Mandaviya said the Fit India Movement, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is steadily expanding across the country and encouraging people to make physical activity part of their daily lives.
“Youth have cycled as part of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at more than 18,000 locations across the country to spread the message of fitness,” Mandaviya said.
He highlighted cycling as an accessible form of exercise that can also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and pollution while helping save fuel and conserve foreign exchange.
“Let us all stay fit to build a developed India,” he said.
The visiting BRICS dignitaries appreciated the nationwide reach of Fit India Sundays on Cycle and commended the initiative for taking the cycling movement to communities across the country.
Mandaviya also emphasised that fitness is essential for building a healthy and prosperous society.
“When an individual is fit, the society remains healthy, and a healthy society can build a prosperous nation,” he said, urging citizens to make cycling a regular Sunday activity.
The 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was held simultaneously at several locations across the country, including New Delhi, Leh, Kargil and Port Blair. Participants also took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people.
Fitness Activities in New Delhi:
A major event was held at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, where more than 1,000 participants took part in a series of fitness activities from 5:30 am.
The programme featured yoga, zumba and rope skipping, followed by a five-kilometre cycling ride around India Gate.
Former India handball captain and coach Naveen Punia attended the event as special guests.
A dedicated games zone featuring carrom, chess, badminton, tug of war and an obstacle race added to the sporting activities, with participants ranging in age from five to 85 years.
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement and is organised in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat.
The weekly cycling initiative is conducted across all States and Union Territories, including through Sports Authority of India Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.
The BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam added an international dimension to the nationwide fitness campaign, using sport as a platform to promote friendship, healthy living and cooperation among participating nations.
