-Cycling is Fitness Ultimate! — Rajesh Chauhan

Vadodara , 04 January (H.S.): Vadodara transformed into India's fitness epicentre on Sunday, leading the 55th edition of Fit India Sunday on Cycle—a nationwide initiative that saw over 5,000 locations buzzing with activity and more than 1,000 residents enthusiastically participating locally.

Flagged off from the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace by former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan and health coach Sapna Vyas, the event—supported by Swachhata Senani and Gujarat's Jal Jeevan Mission/Public Health Department—evolved into a vibrant fitness festival blending cycling with yoga, Zumba, badminton, and rope-skipping.

Star-Studded Rally Ignites Fitness Revolution

The 4.5 km cycling rally drew distinguished participants including Vadodara MP Dr. Hemang Joshi, Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 heptathlon bronze medallist Nandini Agasra, Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu, DCP Zone-3 Abhishek Gupta, DCP Zone-2 Majita K. Vanjara, Steel Man of India and Guinness record holder Vispii Kharadi, and fitness coach Urvi Parwani.

MP Joshi declared, This historic day from Laxmi Vilas Palace strengthens PM Narendra Modi's vision of Fit India—from children to seniors, everyone's participation was inspiring. We'll make it weekly!

Celebrity Endorsements Fuel Mass Movement

Former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan praised the initiative: This brilliant government and SAI people's movement proves cycling is fitness's best form while reducing pollution and building post-COVID immunity.

Asian Games medallist Nandini Agasra added, Thrilled to join—watching youth and elders energised together is inspirational. Everyone should dedicate 30 minutes to an hour daily for fitness.

Launched by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the campaign—partnered with Cycling Federation of India, Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasan Bharat, Rahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat—has engaged 22 lakh+ participants across 2 lakh+ locations.

Supported by sports icons and celebrities as Fit India Icons, it cements Vadodara's role as a fitness vanguard for healthy, sustainable living.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar