New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.):

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led the 94th edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. The event witnessed the participation of more than 500 cyclists and over 1,000 participants, bringing together fitness enthusiasts, athletes and members of the community.

The primary objective of the event was to encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse, embrace a healthy lifestyle and become more conscious of the importance of physical fitness. The theme for this edition was ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’. Medal winners from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, including Prachi Chaudhary, Parul Chaudhary, Jai Kumar and Raj Kumar Pal, also participated in the event.

The programme commenced at 6 a.m. at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Dr Nivedita Shreyans, Director of Youth Affairs at the Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, led a meditation session. The session highlighted the importance of mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle alongside physical fitness.

This was followed by an engaging Kathak performance and an energetic Zumba session. These activities brought together cultural expression, physical activity and community participation, reinforcing the message of holistic health and well-being.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya urged young people to make fitness an integral part of their daily routines and adopt healthier lifestyles. He also emphasised the importance of building a drug-free society and encouraging young people to make informed and healthy choices.

The minister and other participants took the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ pledge, reaffirming their commitment to collective efforts against substance abuse and to building a drug-free generation in the country.

Following his address, Dr Mandaviya led the cycling rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. The rally carried the message of ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’ through the streets of Varanasi, encouraging greater public awareness of fitness and the need to combat substance abuse.

During the event, the medal-winning athletes from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games were also felicitated. The athletes honoured included Prachi Chaudhary, Parul Chaudhary, Jai Kumar and Raj Kumar Pal.

Their presence served as an inspiration to young people, highlighting the importance of sports, discipline, consistent effort and dedication. Through their achievements, the athletes encouraged the younger generation to embrace fitness, pursue sporting excellence and choose healthier ways of life.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar