Mansukh Mandaviya spearheads the 35th Fit India Sundays event, participating in the Cycle Tiranga Rally alongside panchayat representatives in Delhi.
Launched in December 2024, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign has quickly become a significant nationwide initiative promoting cycling as a means to improve health, fitness, and environmental sustainability across India. As of August 2025, the program has engaged over 7.5 lakh participants at more than 40,000 locations[1][2][3].
The weekly Sunday cycling events, which take place in villages, cities, and various sports centers nationwide, encourage participation from citizens of all ages. Registration is available through mobile apps and websites, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) provides cycles at event sites to ensure accessibility[1]. The campaign also involves panchayat representatives, further boosting rural outreach; over 50,000 villages have actively participated, spreading the fitness message deep into communities[2][3].
The initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India and partners such as Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat. It features cycling alongside other fitness activities like yoga and Zumba, blending health promotion with community building[2].
Impact on the Cycling Movement and Environment
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign has several positive impacts. With more than 7.5 lakh participants at 40,000+ venues, including urban and rural areas, the campaign indicates a significant engagement and growing cycling culture in India[2][3].
Cycling is promoted for various health benefits, including cardiovascular health, mental well-being, combating obesity, and providing fitness for people with physical challenges such as cervical issues[1][2]. Additionally, the campaign emphasizes the environmental benefits of cycling, as it reduces reliance on motorized transport and decreases air pollution[2]. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized cycling as "Pollution ka Solution," linking the campaign to India’s environmental and sustainability goals[2].
The involvement of local Panchayats ensures grassroots mobilization, contributing to the movement’s sustainability and community wellness[2][3]. The campaign has also garnered extensive media coverage, with over 1.4 billion social media impressions and coverage in more than 400 print and electronic media outlets, amplifying its message nationwide[4].
The Delhi Event
The Delhi event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, included yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, badminton, and interactive games for children like carrom, chess, and ludo. Three-time Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning rifle shooter Sanjeev Rajput joined as a special guest in the national capital. Actors Rishi Bhutani and Naresh Gosain were also present at the event[5].
The cycling movement runs concurrently across all State and Union Territory capitals, Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), and Khelo India centres. This week, over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India were invited to join the movement[6].
The drive is spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), the Rope Skipping team led by Shikha Gupta, Raahgiri Foundation, MYBharat, and My Bikes. MYBharat and URJA, the apex body of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) based in Delhi, were represented at the event[6].
In conclusion, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is playing a crucial role in strengthening the cycling culture in India, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and contributing positively to environmental sustainability by encouraging eco-friendly transport alternatives[1][2][3][4].
[1] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. (n.d.). Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.fitindia.gov.in/fisoc
[2] Press Information Bureau. (2025, August 1). Fit India Sundays on Cycle crosses 75 lakh registrations. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1736897
[3] PTI. (2025, August 1). Fit India Sundays on Cycle crosses 75 lakh registrations. Retrieved from https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-crosses-75-lakh-registrations/1992635
[4] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 1). Fit India Sundays on Cycle crosses 75 lakh registrations. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-crosses-75-lakh-registrations-101658682229881.html
[5] ANI. (2025, August 1). Delhi: Fit India Sundays on Cycle event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Retrieved from https://www.aninews.in/news/national/delhi/delhi-fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-event-held-at-jawaharlal-nehru-stadium20250801013633/
[6] Indian Express. (2025, August 1). Fit India Sundays on Cycle: Over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats invited to join the movement. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-over-2-5-lakh-gram-panchayats-invited-to-join-the-movement-8377356/
- The Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has not only fostered a growing cycling culture in India, but also expanded to include diverse fitness activities such as yoga, Zumba, and indoor games like carrom, chess, and ludo.
- The Successful collaboration between the Sports Authority of India, Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bharat, and other partners has resulted in extensive media coverage, including over 1.4 billion social media impressions and coverage in more than 400 print and electronic media outlets.
- The environmental aspect of the campaign is equally important, as it promotes cycling as an eco-friendly alternative to motorized transport, contributing towards air pollution reduction and driving India's sustainable development goals.
- In addition to urban participation, the campaign has actively engaged over 50,000 villages, ensuring rural communities are part of the health and wellness movement through the collaboration of panchayat representatives.
- With an increasing interest in sports-betting, the sports sector is seeing new opportunities, as the popularity of cycling events such as Fit India Sundays on Cycle could potentially draw in more sports enthusiasts and wagering audiences, thus expanding the market for sports-betting providers.
