Massive Turnout for 80th Edition
Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya led the 80th nationwide edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on July 5, 2026. The event was organized in collaboration with Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, marking the 100th anniversary of spiritual leader Sathya Sai. Over 9,000 enthusiastic individuals participated in a community run and ride, along with Zumba and yoga sessions.
Movement Against Obesity
Launched in December 2024 by Mandaviya, the initiative has grown into a mass movement encouraging citizens to dedicate “fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz” (30 minutes daily to fitness). To date, more than 30 lakh people have joined at thousands of locations nationwide. Addressing the crowd, Mandaviya stated: “One out of 4 persons in India is overweight. Fitness is essential for all citizens. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has set the target of a Viksit Bharat in 2047. For any country to be counted as a developed nation, the health of its citizens is essential, and to remain healthy, citizens need to be fit.” He urged Indians to set aside at least one hour from mobile screens for physical activity.
Vedic Rituals and Pledge
The event began with Vedic invocations and lamp lighting by Mandaviya, along with Nimish Gulabrai Pandya (All India President of Sathya Sai Seva Organisation), Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Sports, MYAS), and other dignitaries. A public pledge for Nasha Mukt Bharat (drug-free India) was taken before the ride.
Collaboration for Health
Nimish Pandya remarked: “Fit India’s motto is to make every Indian citizen fit and healthy, while Sathya Sai Seva Organisation’s motto is to love all, serve all. This coming together for the 80th edition is an excellent amalgamation. Everyone witnessed the high energy and enthusiasm of people from all age groups. The youth need to inculcate good habits, as only a good body can be home to a good mind and soul.” Noted actor Naseer Abdullah, 70, called it an “amazing experience,” adding: “The Sports Minister gave a very inspiring speech before cycling with the public. It was amazing to see thousands converge at the stadium. By watching the enthusiasm, I felt it was worth it.”
Nationwide Participation
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat. The cycling drive runs simultaneously across all states and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).
