The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, led a spirited cycling event dubbed 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on March 23, 2025, with participation from over 500 riders. The initiative, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and combating obesity, mirrored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing campaign towards physical fitness.
During the event, Minister Mandaviya undertook a 3-kilometre ride, starting from Marine Drive (also known as Samajik Parivartan Sthal) and passing through key points like Samta Mulak Chauraha to 1090 Chauraha before returning. His advocacy for cycling was clear as he highlighted its dual benefits: enhancing health and building character.
"Cycling is not just a mode of transport but a key step towards a healthier, more sustainable future. By adopting cycling as part of our daily lives, we can improve our physical well-being, reduce pollution, and contribute to a greener environment," Dr. Mandaviya stated, further urging every citizen to make fitness a priority for their overall well-being and the prosperity of the nation. He articulated, "A healthy youth is the strength of a prosperous state and country. Let us prioritize fitness!".
Girish Chandra Yadav, the Minister of State for Sports and Youth Welfare in Uttar Pradesh, echoed these sentiments, saying: "Fitness is the foundation of a strong and vibrant society. For our youth to succeed in life, both physically and mentally, it is essential that we instil the values of discipline, hard work, and fitness."
The event reached beyond the state of Uttar Pradesh. In Delhi, notable athletes like Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar and Manisha Ramadass participated, having arrived in the capital to compete in the ongoing Khelo India Para Games 2025. The cycling event in Delhi was also significant, bringing together over 600 participants, including Jindal, founder of Svayam, who motivated the crowd alongside these medal-winning sports stars.
In Mumbai, Asian Games medal-winning javelin thrower Kishore Jena helped promote the cycling initiative at the scenic Aksa Beach, highlighting the event's widespread reach across India.
This nationwide cycling movement has already reached over 5,000 locations across the country, engaging more than 200,000 participants. The response has been immensely positive, with enthusiastic entries from various strata of society, ranging from cycling enthusiasts to professional athletes. This initiative also promotes environmentally friendly practices aiming to decrease air pollution levels significantly.
The 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' has attracted participation from notable groups including the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Furthermore, it has drawn involvement from prominent sports personalities like Lovlina Borgohain and Nitu Ghanghas, as well as celebrities like Rahul Bose and Gul Panag. The broad participation underscores a collective commitment to health and fitness.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, My Bikes, and My Bharat, spearheads this initiative, which occurs simultaneously at various SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India Centres across the nation.
This cycling initiative not only raises awareness about the importance of an active lifestyle but also reinforces community bonds and motivates local populations to embrace a healthier way of living. The dedication shown by participants across different states reiterates the nation’s commitment to fitness and well-being.
Ultimately, this massive mobilization reflects an ongoing cultural shift towards health-consciousness in India, as the movement gains momentum and aims to further impact more communities in the future. The supportive statements from various governmental officials and sports figures enrich the meaning behind this cycling campaign, clearly marking it as a pivotal step towards an active lifestyle for long-term national health improvements.
