Hyderabad: The 57th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle drew nationwide participation on Sunday, with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya leading the ride in Gujarat and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy flagging it off in Hyderabad.
In Gondal near Rajkot, around 250 cyclists joined the event. The ride spread a strong message of fitness and sustainability. Mandaviya said cycling suited all age groups and also reduced carbon emissions. He urged citizens to make cycling a regular Sunday habit.
The Minister said a healthy nation depended on physically and mentally fit citizens. He added that achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat required people to adopt active lifestyles, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Over time, Sundays on Cycle has grown into a nationwide people’s movement. It has recorded participation from more than 22 lakh citizens across over 2 lakh locations. The initiative supports the Prime Minister’s call of ‘Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz’ and promotes low-carbon living.
Sundays on Cycle draws sportspersons, large turnout in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, more than 1,000 cyclists took part in the event at Gachibowli Stadium. The programme was organised in association with the Heartfulness Institute. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy joined the ride with leading sportspersons.
Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevanji and Arjuna Award-winning shooter Esha Singh attended as special guests. Several athletes, Fit India ambassadors and cycling leaders also joined the programme.
Addressing participants, Kishan Reddy stressed the need to include fitness in daily life. He said unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity and lifestyle changes had increased obesity and mental stress. He recalled the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce cooking oil consumption.
Pullela Gopichand said regular physical activity helped build discipline and sporting excellence. Organisers felicitated athletes and cycling leaders for promoting fitness awareness.
The Fit India Movement, launched on August 29, 2019, aims to make fitness a daily habit. Initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle continue to expand its reach across the country.
