The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event witnessed an overwhelming response across the country, with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, leading the initiative at the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
Organised by SAI Gandhinagar, the event saw the participation of around 650 cyclists, including members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat, the Ahmedabad Medical Association, and Members of Parliament Hasmukhbhai Patel and Dineshbhai Makwana.
The event was officially flagged off by Paralympian athlete Bhavana Choudhary.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya expressed his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of the "Sundays on Cycle" movement. He highlighted that the Fit India initiative has been gaining momentum nationwide, with "Sundays on Cycle" gradually evolving into a cultural phenomenon.
He noted that this particular event took place in more than 5,000 locations across the country, with doctors actively participating to promote the message of a fit and obesity-free India.
Dr Mandaviya emphasised the need to integrate cycling into daily life, whether for commuting to work or for routine activities such as shopping. He also underscored the significance of cycling in enhancing physical fitness, protecting the environment, and reducing pollution levels.
He reiterated that cycling is a crucial tool in combating obesity, a key focus area initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Mandaviya further suggested that cycling could potentially be incorporated into carbon credit schemes in the future.
Encouraging medical professionals to recommend cycling as a means of maintaining good health, he urged the medical community to motivate their patients to adopt cycling as part of their everyday lifestyle. Stressing the broader impact of fitness on national development, he remarked, “A healthy citizen builds a healthy society, and a healthy society creates a prosperous nation.”
He asserted that achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 necessitates a fit and active populace, with cycling playing an instrumental role in this transformation.
Meanwhile, in the national capital, the Fit India movement received a further boost as Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary, famously known as the "Push-up Man of India," inspired participants at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Rohtash, who holds the record for the most push-ups (one leg raised carrying a 27.2 kg pack) in one hour, joined 500 cycling enthusiasts, including doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), students from schools and colleges, members of Yogasana Bharat, and corporate professionals.
"Sundays on Cycle is an excellent initiative by Fit India. The enthusiasm among participants was remarkable, but I urge everyone, particularly the youth, to cycle not just on Sundays but every day," Rohtash remarked.
Highlighting the growing concern of obesity, he added, “India has the third-highest number of obesity cases globally, following China and the United States. We should strive to lead in development, not in obesity. Staying fit is imperative for the progress of our nation.”
The IMA has played an active role in promoting the initiative, having organised Sundays on Cycle in 25 locations across the country. Dr Piyush Jain, Finance Secretary of the Indian Medical Association, reiterated the importance of fitness in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
“The IMA is fully committed to the Fit India movement because prevention is always better than cure. It is vital for individuals to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise. Cycling offers a complete workout for the body and also contributes to mental well-being, making it an ideal form of exercise,” he stated.
The event not only promoted cycling but also underscored the importance of overall physical fitness.
Push-ups were highlighted as a simple yet highly effective exercise, and the combination of cycling and strength training was aimed at encouraging participants to challenge themselves and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Since its launch in December 2024 by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has reached more than 4,500 locations across the country.
The event is conducted simultaneously at various locations, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering a culture of fitness and active living among citizens.
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