AUG 31: The grand finale of National Sports Day 2025 saw India’s largest fitness movement come alive, as Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the “Sundays on Cycle” rally from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The event marked the conclusion of a three-day nationwide Jan-Andolan celebrating sports and fitness on the 120th birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Dr. Mandaviya flagged off the cycling rally and called the movement a “reflection of Bharat’s pride in self-reliance and sustainable living.” He stressed the importance of embracing indigenous ways of fitness, stating, “The spirit of Garv se Swadeshi must inspire us to build a healthier Bharat.”
Over 30 crore people participated across 10,000 locations in 700 districts, engaging in cycling, indigenous sports, playground games, and fitness conclaves. The initiative was powered by the Fit India Movement, with support from CFI, MY Bharat, and Yogasana Bharat.
Prominent events were held across the country. In Haryana, CM Nayab Singh Saini cycled with 2,500 citizens. In Telangana, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma joined the rally. In Mumbai, Smt. Raksha Khadse and actor Jackie Shroff cycled in Borivali National Park.
Dhyan Chand Awardee Trupti Murgunde, joining in Delhi, praised the initiative and its wide public participation. Events also included Zumba, yoga, skipping, and mountaineering send-offs for young girls preparing to summit Mt. Everest.
The campaign, since inception, has touched over 7 lakh people across 40,000+ locations, making fitness a nationwide celebration of unity, culture, and self-reliance.
