Forest Guards and Cyclists Unite at 66th Fit India Sundays on Cycle Event
In a vibrant display of community spirit and environmental dedication, the 66th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle took place in New Delhi, featuring a special "Guardians of Nature" theme. The event, held on a Sunday morning, saw a remarkable gathering of over 500 cyclists, including forest guards, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, riding together to promote healthy living and conservation efforts.
Iconic Venue and Patriotic Start
The event was flagged off at the historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, where an army band played patriotic tunes and conch shells were blown, creating a proud and energetic atmosphere. Participants, dressed in their attire, cycled through the iconic India Gate, turning the morning into a moving tribute to nature and fitness.
Collaborative Efforts and Environmental Focus
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, this edition blended purpose with participation. It commemorated World Forest Day and World Water Day, while also cheering India's upcoming role as host of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. The initiative aims to integrate themes like carbon reduction and conservation into daily fitness routines.
Pre-Event Activities and Competitive Races
Before the cycling began, participants engaged in high-energy activities such as Zumba sessions, yoga routines, and rope skipping. The competitive segment included the 1st Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) Fit India Cyclothon, with races across categories. Winners included SK Prajapati and Kushmeet Singh in the men's categories, and Preeti Mane and Ranjana Anand in the women's categories, highlighting strong participation from various sectors.
Dignitaries and Honorees Recognized
Prominent figures were felicitated for their contributions. Dr P Viswakannan, Chief Conservator of Forest, was honored for linking environmental conservation with sustainable lifestyles. Representatives from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) were acknowledged for corporate support. Key officials from PSPB, including Sabeena Chowdhary, Lalit Kumar Watts, and Sandeep Sarkaria, were recognized for promoting sports and fitness through structured initiatives.
Inspirational Athletes and Community Engagement
The event also honored forest guards and former athletes, such as Arjuna Awardee shooter Shilpi Bisht, international basketball player Mohit Bhandari, and Fit India Ambassador Rahul Pradhan. Their presence reinforced the message that fitness and environmental stewardship are interconnected. Following the races, a community cycling ride was flagged off, with parallel zones offering yoga, music, and games, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Growth and Impact of the Movement
Launched in December 2024 under Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a nationwide movement, encouraging lakhs of citizens to adopt fitness as a daily habit while addressing issues like obesity and pollution. This edition marks another step in expanding its impact, transforming a weekly activity into a powerful campaign for health and environmental awareness.
