Visakhapatnam, August 23: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, led the ‘BRICS Friendship Cycling Event’ in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. This marked the 87th edition of the Fit India Sunday on Cycle initiative. The cycling event was organized during the BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers’ meeting.
Ministers and department heads from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, UAE, Iran, and South Africa participated in the cycling event, showcasing the spirit of friendship and cooperation among BRICS nations.
The theme for this week’s Fit India Sunday on Cycle was ‘Advancing India Campaign.’
On this occasion, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement is gradually spreading across the country. Youth have cycled in over 18,000 locations nationwide under the Fit India Sunday on Cycle initiative to promote the message of fitness. Cycling offers numerous benefits—it is an excellent form of exercise, helps tackle traffic congestion, and reduces pollution. It also saves fuel and conserves foreign exchange. We must all stay fit to build a developed India.”
Mandaviya emphasized that fitness is essential for creating a healthy and happy society.
He added, “When a person is fit, society remains healthy, and a healthy society can create a happy nation. PM Modi has pledged to make India a developed country. To fulfill this pledge, we should all cycle every Sunday to stay fit.”
Guests participating in the ‘BRICS Friendship Cycling Event’ praised the Fit India Sunday on Cycle initiative and congratulated Dr. Mandaviya for promoting this campaign across India.
The 87th edition of Fit India Sunday on Cycle was held nationwide, including in New Delhi, Leh, Kargil, and Port Blair. Participants took an oath for a drug-free India, committing to combat addiction and promote a healthy lifestyle among youth.
In New Delhi, a major event was held at the renowned Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Starting at 5:30 AM, over 1,000 people participated in fitness activities, including yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping. Following this, a 5-kilometer cycling rally was organized around India Gate.
The cycling rally in Delhi featured special guests, including former captain and coach of the Indian Handball Team, Naveen Punia, and Zumba and dance choreographer Shivika Ashwin. A special game zone was created for activities like carrom, chess, badminton, tug-of-war, and an obstacle race, which saw participation from individuals aged 5 to 85.
Fit India Sunday on Cycle is an initiative under the Fit India Movement by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, organized in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and My Bharat.
This cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all states and union territories, involving SAI Regional Centers, National Centers of Excellence, SAI Training Centers, Khelo India State Centers of Excellence, and Khelo India Centers.
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