65th Fit India Sundays on Cycle Unites Over 5000 Locations Nationwide
The 65th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative was celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India, bringing together citizens in more than 5000 diverse locations. This nationwide movement seamlessly connected the country's varied landscapes, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, deserts to forests, through a unified focus on fitness and community engagement.
Widespread Participation Led by Champions and Dignitaries
More than 300 Fit India Champions and Ambassadors, along with special dignitaries, spearheaded the cycling events in locations spanning from Kokrajhar in Odisha to Badal in Punjab and Allepey in the south. In Patna, the young and dynamic Sports Minister of Bihar, Shreyashi Singh, actively participated in Sundays on Cycle, setting a powerful example by leading the event, as confirmed by an official press release.
In Assam, Rima Trisha Haloi, an assistant commissioner of the government of Assam, demonstrated remarkable resilience by joining the event. A seasoned cyclist, MMA fighter, and karate black belt holder, Haloi bounced back from a recent injury to resume her fitness routine through participation in this Sunday on Cycle, inspiring many with her dedication.
Flagship Event in Delhi Draws Massive Crowds
The nodal event for the 65th edition was held in New Delhi, where over 10,000 people gathered, transforming Connaught Place into a vibrant, festive space on Sunday morning. Organized in collaboration with the Raahgiri Foundation, this special edition marked the return of Raahgiri Day, emphasizing community fitness and sustainable mobility.
Participants of all age groups, ranging from 3-year-olds to 70-year-olds, engaged in various fitness activities such as rope skipping, Zumba, Yogasana, and fun games before embarking on a cycling tour around Connaught Place. This week's event, dedicated to Consumer Rights, featured notable guests including Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood, ex-IAF Pilot turned fitness expert Captain Akshay Chopra, master trainer and Zumba instructor Prateek Kundial, gold medalists Neelam and Priya Malik from the U23 Asian Wrestling Championship, and Mayank Srivastava, DDG of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Emphasis on Health, Safety, and Sustainability
In his address, Home Minister Ashish Sood highlighted the importance of initiatives like Raahgiri Day and Sundays on Cycle for promoting a healthier and safer Delhi. "By encouraging walking, cycling, and greater use of public transport, such movements not only promote road safety but also help reduce air pollution and build a culture of sustainable mobility. Clean air is not just an aspiration; it is a collective responsibility, and these community-driven efforts are an important part of the solution," Sood stated, urging attendees to make fitness a regular habit.
The special guests echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of such events in counteracting the growing dependence on gadgets and technology, which often leads to reduced physical activity. "Taking care of the body is the most important duty of a human being. If you have a fit body, only then can you do anything," said Neelam, a gold medalist wrestler.
Captain Akshay Chopra, who flagged off the event, noted, "It is heartening to see that so many people have taken time out on a Sunday morning to participate in this community fitness event. There is definitely a change in mindset towards fitness, but it is important to keep participating regularly."
Support from Key Institutions and Broader Impact
With backing from institutions focused on health, mobility, public safety, and the environment, the event reinforced that fitness is not merely an individual goal but a collective movement that begins in streets and communities. Mayank Srivastava, DDG of SAI, elaborated, "Fit India is not just a campaign, it is a movement towards building a healthier, stronger and more active nation. Envisioned by our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, the Fit India Movement acts as a catalyst to make fitness a part of everyday life. The 'Sundays on Cycle' started by Honourable Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2024, is a wonderful example of how public spaces can inspire people to come together, move more, and choose fitness as a way of life."
Sarika Panda Bhatt, Founder & Trustee of the Raahgiri Foundation and Director at Nagarro, added, "Raahgiri Day has always been about giving streets back to people. Through this special 'Sundays on Cycle' edition with Fit India, we are not only celebrating fitness, but also reminding ourselves that cleaner air and safer streets are deeply connected. When people cycle, walk, and come together in vibrant and safe spaces, they experience a healthier and happier city. Delhi's street once again became a people's space, full of energy, engagement, and community spirit."
Unique Awareness Segments and Collaborative Efforts
The event also saw participation from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), NDMC, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Police, and Nagarro. A special awareness segment by I4C focused on cyber safety and cybercrime awareness, particularly targeting young people and families, adding an educational dimension to the celebrations.
Through this energetic morning at one of Delhi's busiest public spaces, Raahgiri Day and Fit India Sundays on Cycle offered a powerful glimpse into how streets can be transformed into people-centric spaces. By integrating movement, community, and public space, the event underscored that cycling and walking are not only beneficial for personal fitness but also crucial for reducing pollution, easing congestion, and fostering cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.
