On March 30, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, led the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative in Junagadh, Gujarat.

At the same time, Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurated a cycling rally from Cliff House in Trivandrum.

In Junagadh, more than 500 cyclists participated, riding from the famous Girnar Gate to the Bhavnath Mahadev temple, organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre in Gandhinagar. Meanwhile, in Trivandrum, the cycling route spanned 7 kilometers, starting from Cliff House and passing through the Central Stadium, hosted by the SAI Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (SAI LNCPE), as per a press release from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

This week's event particularly encouraged school students nationwide to join in, cycling alongside their parents and teachers.

Mandaviya inspired participants in Junagadh, stating, "Cycling can foster lifelong friendships, so embrace this exercise as your companion." He emphasized that the Fit India campaign is evolving into a national celebration, with the significant involvement of school children showcasing the importance of health for the nation's advancement.

Active cycling events were also organized at Khelo India Centres (KICs) in various districts, including Shivtarai in Bilaspur, Janjgir Champa in Chhattisgarh, Darbhanga in Bihar, and Orai in Uttar Pradesh.

In Trivandrum, over 500 fitness enthusiasts, cycling clubs, and organizations from across Kerala participated, including the Indian Army, CRPF, BSF, NCC, and various local police and sports departments.

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event in the capital featured notable sports figures. Arjuna Award-winning boxer Sonia Lather and gold medalist at the Asian U-22 Championships 2024, Prachi Dhankhar, were present. Rohtash Chaudhary, known as the 'Push-up man of India,' also attended, while Indian cricketer Deepti Sharma contributed virtually to promote the fitness message.

Deepti Sharma, a key player in the Indian women's cricket team that won gold at the Asian Games 2022, remarked, "As an athlete, I recognize the vital role of physical activity. Cycling is not only a great way to maintain fitness but also a fun activity that strengthens community bonds and raises environmental awareness. Since its inception in December 2024, over 200,000 riders of all ages have participated in the Sundays on Cycle initiative across more than 4,500 locations in the country."

Boxer Prachi Dhankhar praised the Fit India Movement's broader impact, stating, "Launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in 2019, the Fit India Movement aims to cultivate a healthier, more active nation. Numerous events, including walking, jogging, and now cycling, have been organized, which is truly encouraging to witness."

Sonia Lather, a silver medalist at the 2016 World Boxing Championship, expressed her excitement about the event's inclusivity, saying, "Fitness should be a priority for everyone, regardless of age. Riding alongside children as young as six and individuals over seventy was a truly enriching experience."

The nationwide events on March 30 saw enthusiastic participation from students from various educational institutions, including Tagore International School EOK, Delhi Public School Gurugram Sec 45, Modern School Barakhamba Road, and many others.

The Sundays on Cycle initiative features simultaneous events across the country at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and the Indian Medical Association (IMA).