The 79th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, held on Sunday in New Delhi, centered on the theme of 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' (NMBA), drawing over 800 participants to the Sports Authority of India campus at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex. The event, initiated by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, has become a hallmark community fitness carnival promoting healthy living and active lifestyles.
Cycling Rally and Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge
The morning's highlight was a 5-km cycling rally where participants pedaled together to reinforce the message that sport and fitness are powerful tools to steer youth away from substance abuse. A defining moment occurred when children, youth, senior citizens, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts collectively took the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' pledge, reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free India.
Fitness Model and Fit India Ambassador Kiran Chhillar was felicitated during the programme. She called upon citizens to make fitness a lifelong commitment, stating, "Fit India Sundays on Cycle has always given out the message of leading a healthy lifestyle. We should abide by thus and make positive health our way of life. Let us make fitness our motto and carry this message into every family."
Yoga Zone and Multigenerational Participation
A key highlight was the Yoga Zone, jointly facilitated by Yogasana Bharat and the Ministry of AYUSH. Grandparents performed Omkara chanting alongside children and experienced guided yoga sessions for the first time, creating a heartwarming picture of generations embracing wellness together. The event also featured dedicated selfie booths, life-sized Snake and Ladders boards, badminton rallies, tug-of-war, carrom, chess, and energetic Zumba routines.
Rajesh Sharma, who attended with his family, remarked, "My children were busy playing games while my parents joined the yoga session. We rarely find a space where three generations enjoy fitness together." College student Ananya Verma added, "It felt more like a festival than an exercise programme. There was Zumba, games, music and cycling and more. Sunday morning was lit!"
Organization and Nationwide Reach
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), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat. The cycling drive is conducted 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).
