New Delhi, 19 July (H.S.): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led the 82nd edition of the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ campaign from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, urging citizens to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make cycling a part of their daily lifestyle. He described cycling as a “solution to pollution” that benefits both health and the environment.

This edition of the campaign was organised at more than 15,000 locations across the country in collaboration with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the National Health Mission, with participation from millions of healthcare workers and citizens.

Launched in December 2024, the campaign has now transformed into a mass movement. The initiative aims to encourage people to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day with the message, “Dose of fitness, half an hour daily.” So far, more than 30 lakh people have participated in the campaign directly, while the Fit India initiative’s message has reached over 8 crore people since 2025.

At the New Delhi event, hockey Olympian and Asian Champions Trophy gold medallist Preeti Dubey, Fit India Champion Charul Malik and Yoga and Wellness expert from the Ministry of Ayush Anita Solanki also participated in cycling activities around India Gate and Kartavya Path, spreading the message of fitness and healthy living. A large number of citizens also arrived at the venue with their bicycles.

Apart from cycling, the event featured several activities including running, yoga and Zumba. A special game zone was created to engage children, featuring activities such as giant-sized Ludo, chess, carrom, table tennis, futsal and badminton.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Today, the 82nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised. Millions of healthcare workers from Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country have energised Prime Minister’s Fit India movement by cycling at more than 15,000 locations. If you cycle for just one hour every Sunday, you can keep yourself fit, contribute towards reducing pollution, help conserve the country’s fuel resources and lead a healthier life. Inspired by these objectives, millions of young people across the country are now adopting cycling.”

Dr Anshul Mudgal, State Programme Officer of Ayushman Arogya Mandir, said, “A total of 415 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established in Delhi so far. Their primary objective is to create health awareness among people before they fall ill. With this vision, we have joined the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative under the Fit India campaign of the Sports Authority of India. Through this initiative, people are being encouraged to remain physically active and prioritise their health. It is an excellent initiative, and we are happy to be a part of it.”

The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat. The campaign is simultaneously conducted across all states and Union Territories through Sports Authority of India’s regional centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar