Cycling: The ‘Pollution Ka Solution’ — Fit India Sundays on Cycle Gains Momentum with Tiranga Rally in Delhi.
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya leads 35th edition with panchayat representatives; promotes fitness, sustainability, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat spirit.
New Delhi:
In the lead-up to Independence Day, the 35th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle took place in the national capital with great enthusiasm and mass participation. Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the Cycle Tiranga Rally alongside hundreds of citizens and panchayat representatives, reinforcing the vital message that cycling is not just about fitness — it is a national solution.
The rally, flagged off from Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, marked a vibrant celebration of health, environment, and community engagement. The event is part of a weekly national initiative that began in December 2024 and has since evolved into a movement promoting sustainable lifestyles and grassroots fitness.
“Cycling is Pollution ka Solution and Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat”: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Addressing the gathering before the flag-off, Dr. Mandaviya spoke passionately about the multi-dimensional benefits of cycling:
“Cycling keeps one fit, while also being Pollution ka Solution. Further, cycling connects us to the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
He described how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Mission has inspired widespread public engagement, transforming ‘Sundays on Cycle’ into a nationwide fitness culture.
“Today, more than 50,000 villages across India are echoing the spirit of fitness. Panchayat representatives are taking the lead, connecting their communities to this movement,” he noted, urging citizens to adopt cycling not just on Sundays, but as part of daily life.
Mass Participation and Panchayat Leadership
This week’s edition saw participation from over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across the country, reinforcing the programme’s deep rural penetration and inclusive outreach.
In Delhi, notable panchayat sarpanches including Jitender (Pali Gaon), Pardeep Kumar (Khaleta Gaon), and Kishan Kumar (Keria Gaon) of Haryana joined the rally, reflecting local leadership’s commitment to the Fit India cause.
Olympian Sanjeev Rajput Highlights Cycling’s Accessibility
The event also welcomed three-time Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Sanjeev Rajput as special guest. Addressing the crowd, Rajput praised cycling as a highly accessible fitness option:
“For those unable to run due to cervical issues or joint concerns, cycling is the best alternative. It builds a strong mind–body connection,” said Rajput, who also serves as the coach of the junior national rifle team.
He highlighted how athletes at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range regularly use a dedicated 6–7 km cycling track for their morning routines.
Fitness for All: Inclusive Activities Beyond Cycling
Beyond the rally, the Delhi edition offered a range of interactive activities, making it a true family fitness festival. Participants engaged in yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, badminton, and indoor games like carrom, chess, and ludo — ensuring that fitness became fun for all age groups.
Prominent attendees included actors Rishi Bhutani and Naresh Gosain, and representatives from MYBharat and URJA, the apex body of Delhi’s Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
A Movement Spanning the Nation
Since its inception, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has touched over 7 lakh individuals across more than 40,000 locations nationwide. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with:
- Cycling Federation of India (CFI)
- Raahgiri Foundation
- MYBharat and My Bikes
- Rope Skipping team led by Dr. Shikha Gupta
The movement is simultaneously held across all State and UT capitals, SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), and Khelo India centres.
Cycling for the Nation: Health, Sustainability, and Self-Reliance
With its holistic approach to physical, environmental, and social well-being, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle programme continues to set new benchmarks in public health advocacy. As Dr. Mandaviya affirmed, cycling isn’t just a mode of transport — it’s a path to personal fitness, environmental protection, and national self-reliance.
