The New Year marked a positive start with the 55th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle taking place across 5000 locations nationwide, led by Vadodara in collaboration with ‘Swachhta Senanis’ and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of Gujarat.
A Festive Fitness Festival
Vadodara embraced a festive atmosphere as the event transformed into a fitness festival. Over 1000 individuals from various age groups participated in activities such as yoga, Zumba, badminton, and rope skipping.
The cycling event in Vadodara was inaugurated at the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace by former India cricketer Rajesh Chauhan and health and wellness coach Sapna Vyas. Hon’ble Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, Asian Championship gold medalist Nandini Agasara, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu, DCP Zone 3 Abhishek Gupta, and DCP Zone 2 Majitha K. Vanzara were present and participated in the 4.5-kilometre ride.
Notable attendees included the Steel Man of India, multiple Guinness World Record holder Vispy Kharradi, popular fitness coach Urvi Parwani, among others.
Program Overview
The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat. This cycling initiative simultaneously occurs in the capitals of all States and Union Territories, as well as at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), engaging various age groups.
Official Statements
Hon’ble MP Hemang Joshi stated, “It was a historic day for the city of Vadodara as we started the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign from the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace. Today, people from all age groups including children and the elderly participated in large numbers to strengthen our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a fitter and healthier India. All gathered to partake in the cycling drive along with activities like yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping.”
He added, “I am delighted to say that an initiative like this will help create a mindset for fitness in Vadodara and Gujarat at large. I am thankful to the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for starting this initiative. We received an excellent response from the public, and I announce that we will continue to organize it every week in Vadodara.”
Former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan, who played 21 Tests and 35 ODIs from 1993 to 1998, and took 76 international wickets, praised the initiative, stating, “I am glad to be part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Vadodara, which is a fantastic jan andolan by the Government of India and Sports Authority of India. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm of so many elderly and young people on a cold winter morning here. I believe everyone should take part in this movement to improve their immunity and fitness through such initiatives. Looking back at the COVID-19 period, awareness about fitness and immunity grew, and cycling is, in my opinion, the best way to stay fit. It’s a one-time investment in a good cycle, which helps not only personal fitness but also contributes to a cleaner environment and reduced air pollution.”
Nandini Agasara, who secured bronze in the heptathlon at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed her excitement about being part of this initiative. She stated, “I am very proud to be part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement. It was wonderful to see both young and old individuals filled with energy and participating in various activities like Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping. I urge everyone to join this movement and dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour daily to their fitness and health.”
Growing Movement
Launched by Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has emerged as a mass movement, promoting fitness, environmental cleanliness, and sustainability, with over 22 lakh participants across more than 2 lakh locations.
Previously, participants included Indian Army jawans, CRPF, ITBP, the Goods & Services Tax Council, PSUs, the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and notable sports stars such as the Great Khali, Lovlina Borgohain, Priyanka Goswami, Rani Rampal, Rodali Barua, Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Mangal Singh Champia, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, and Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar, Manisha Ramadass, Rubina Francis, and para world champion Simran Sharma.
Top celebrities including Ayushmann Khurana, Rohit Shetty, Saiyami Kher, Sharvari, Amit Sial, Rahul Bose, Madhurima Tuli, Mia Maelzer, and Gul Panag have also shown their support for this initiative and have been recognized as ‘Fit India Icons.’