Over 1,000 citizens gathered at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi early Sunday for the 81st edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, which this time saw chartered accountants from across the country participating in large numbers. The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat, featured a 5-kilometre ride around India Gate.
Chartered Accountants Lead the Fitness Charge
Dr. Sambit Kumar Mishra, Deputy Director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, said after his ride, "Chartered accountants joining in to be part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle is our way of saying that staying fit should not be restricted to just athletes, actors or armed forces, no matter what profession you are in, staying fit is mandatory. We have participated in large numbers across the country to give this message of 'Fitness is for All'."
Participants engaged in yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping before the main cycling event. A game zone with carrom, chess, badminton, and obstacle races kept youngsters engaged. The chartered accountants were particularly enthusiastic, joining in all activities from Zumba to yoga.
Special Guests and Youngest Cyclist
Hockey Asian Champion and silver medalist Suman Devi Thoudam, along with nutritionist and Fit India Ambassador Utkarsh Saxena, attended as special guests. Suman flagged off the event alongside 2-year-old Dhaivik, the youngest cyclist of the day. Suman said, "The Fit India Movement, which was started by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has indeed become popular. Today, so many people have joined the Sundays on Cycle programme voluntarily with families and young children, which shows the level of interest in including fitness activities in daily life. I think cycling is not just an easy way to stay fit, but it is also something that people of any economic background can take up."
FIFA Fever and Cycling Remain Central
College students wore t-shirts with Argentinian football star Messi's name, and match scores between Argentina and Sweden from the 6.30 am match were discussed. However, cycling remained the hero of the day. Utkarsh Saxena said, "Fit India Sundays on Cycle is a fantastic initiative. The platform being given by the government to motivate people to lead a fit life is a starting point, but India can only become a fit nation when every Indian takes responsibility of his or her own fitness."
Nationwide Participation Across 2,000 Locations
The 81st edition was celebrated not just in metros and tier 1 cities like Lucknow, Guwahati, and Hyderabad, but also in places such as Androth in Lakshadweep, Golaghat in Assam, and Mastuana Sahib in Punjab, among 2,000 other locations. Fit India Sundays on Cycle, envisioned by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is conducted simultaneously across all states and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India Centres.
