MAY 04: The spirit of fitness and national pride came alive at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, where the latest edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw a remarkable gathering of over 750 cycling enthusiasts, including educators, Olympians, fitness influencers, and everyday citizens.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the event, accompanied by Sports Secretary Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, Commonwealth gold medalist and Olympian Deepak Punia, Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary, and noted mountaineer Narender Kumar, who recently scaled Mount Annapurna in record time.
With this week’s theme, “Cycling with Teachers,” the event saw widespread participation from educators and academic professionals across Delhi’s educational spectrum—ranging from universities and schools to private coaching institutions. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of transitioning from the digital to the physical. “Teachers must become fitness role models for students,” he said. “Cycling can be a symbol of both health and environmental consciousness. This initiative reflects our mission for a fitter India and a Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Organized in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, and various state governments, the event also received support from key partners such as PEFI, Delhi University, CBSE, CISCE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, National Progressive Schools Conference, Yogasana India, and others.
Olympians Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia motivated attendees with personal messages on the importance of fitness. “Cycling is powerful—it builds stamina and discipline,” said Dahiya. Deepak Punia called cycling a key step toward a pollution-free and healthier India.
Narender Kumar, speaking fresh off his Mount Annapurna expedition, endorsed cycling as an ideal way to build long-term fitness.
Since its December 2024 launch, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has engaged over 2.5 lakh participants across 5000+ locations, including remote regions such as Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Jammu & Kashmir, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands—showcasing its pan-India impact.