Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led more than 500 cycling enthusiasts in Lucknow during the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' event. The cycling drive, held from Marine Drive (Samajik Parivartan Sthal) to 1090 Chauraha and back, was joined by Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Sports & Youth Welfare Girish Chandra Yadav, Principal Secretary (Sports) Manish Chauhan, and Secretary (Sports) Suhas Yathiraj.

The event, organized by the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Netaji Subhas Regional Centre in Lucknow, aimed to spread Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of combating obesity and adopting a healthy, active lifestyle. Over 100 athletes from the local National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), along with students and fitness enthusiasts, participated in the event, which also featured energetic Zumba performances.

Addressing the participants and media, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the broader benefits of cycling. “Cycling not only enhances one’s health but also builds character, boosts confidence, and shapes the future of our nation. By making cycling a part of our daily routines, we can fight obesity, reduce air pollution, and contribute to a healthier, greener future,” he said. He further urged citizens to embrace fitness as a daily habit, underlining that a healthy youth is the strength of a prosperous state and country.

Uttar Pradesh’s Sports Minister, Girish Chandra Yadav, also emphasized the significance of fitness. “Fitness is the foundation of a strong and vibrant society. It is essential to instill discipline, hard work, and fitness values in our youth for them to succeed both physically and mentally,” he said.

The cycling movement has gained momentum nationwide, with events being conducted in over 5,000 locations and participation from more than two lakh individuals. The initiative not only encourages personal fitness but also promotes environmentally friendly practices aimed at reducing air pollution.

The 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' event is part of a larger initiative led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), My Bikes, and MY Bharat. These events are organized across multiple states and Union Territories, with active involvement from athletes, coaches, sports science experts, and cycling enthusiasts.

In Delhi, the event witnessed participation from para-badminton stars and Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar and Manisha Ramadass, who flagged off the event along with accessibility advocate Sminu Jindal. The event, supported by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), saw over 600 participants in the national capital.

In Mumbai, Asian Games medal-winning javelin thrower Kishore Jena joined the cycling drive at the scenic Aksa Beach, further amplifying the nationwide call for fitness.

The cycling initiative has also seen enthusiastic participation from Indian Army jawans, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and sports icons such as Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain, Sangram Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, para world champion Simran Sharma, and Paralympic bronze medallist Rubina Francis. Celebrities like Rahul Bose, Amit Sial, and Gul Panag have also lent their support to the cause.

Through this growing movement, the Ministry aims to inspire people across the country to incorporate cycling and fitness into their lifestyles, helping build a healthier and more sustainable Bharat.