New Delhi, 30 August (H.S.):

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led the special National Sports Day edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, wrestler Sangram Singh and actor Madhurima Tuli were among the prominent participants, along with a large number of fitness enthusiasts. Representatives from BRICS member countries also took active part in the event.

The cycling initiative was conducted simultaneously at more than 25,000 locations across the country, reflecting the growing popularity of the weekly campaign. At the main event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, more than 5,000 participants, including youngsters, senior citizens and representatives of BRICS partner countries, enthusiastically participated in cycling and various fitness activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the 88th edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ was particularly significant as India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

“This week’s edition is dedicated to the BRICS members who will be visiting India to participate in the summit on September 12 and 13. We are extremely happy to welcome them today,” Mandaviya said.

The Sports Minister highlighted three key benefits of cycling — promoting fitness, reducing pollution and easing traffic congestion. He urged citizens to make cycling a regular part of their weekly routine.

“Let us all step away from our mobile phones and computer screens for an hour every day, go outdoors, cycle, play and keep ourselves fit,” he said.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir praised the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative, describing it as an exceptional effort. He said a healthier India would be stronger and more self-reliant and urged people to view the initiative not merely as an event but as a movement.

“I believe the healthier India becomes, the stronger and more self-reliant it will be. Therefore, we should not look at this merely as an event, but as a movement. The youngsters present here, in particular, have a responsibility to turn it into a movement and ensure that our youth and all citizens of the country remain healthy. Only healthy citizens can build a healthy, strong and self-reliant nation,” Gambhir said.

The event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was organised under the ‘BRICS Run and Ride 2026’ initiative. Participants took part in cycling, dancing and a range of fitness activities with enthusiasm. People across age groups, from youngsters to senior citizens, actively participated in the programme.

Held a day after National Sports Day, the special edition carried a strong message on the importance of fitness, sports and an active lifestyle, while encouraging citizens to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar