Streets of India liven up on Sundays with the "Fit India by Bicycle" initiative, backed by the Indian Railways; Actress Madhurima Tuli bestowed the title of "Fit India Ambassador".
Cranking Up Fitness Across the Nation: Fit India Sundays on Cycle
India's capital city, New Delhi, was bathed in a wave of enthusiasm on a sunny Sunday morning as a whopping 1,000 cyclists and fitness devotees congregated at the JLN Stadium for the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. The event, organized in collaboration with Indian Railways as special partners, attracted a host of celebrities, including actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar.
The Bollywood actress, Madhurima Tuli, who starred in 'Baby' opposite Akshay Kumar, was officially recognized as a Fit India Icon by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A state-level track and field athlete and hurdles race runner, Madhurima expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that cycling, her childhood hobby, is both affordable and mentally rejuvenating. She warned of the perils of obesity, emphasizing that it leads to numerous health issues.
Indian Railways, serving as the special partners for this edition, significantly boosted the event's outreach and participation. Railway officials and sportspersons associated with the railways were also in attendance in large numbers. The cycling drives were conducted by various centers including Khelo India Centres (KICs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), and over 2,600 cycling clubs nationwide.
Cycling activities, such as Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping, were guided by organizations like My Bharat, the Rope skipping federation of India, and Yogasana Bharat. Wrestler Anirudh Kumar, a gold medalist at the 2024 U23 & U17 Asian Championships, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the country's youth. He marked cycling as a means to improve stamina, lose fat, and boost overall fitness.
Mountaineer Narender Kumar, preparing for his upcoming expedition to Mount Elbrus, spoke highly of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement. He praised the Initiative's role in energizing the youth, drawing them away from distractions and addictions, and instilling a sense of brotherhood and national camaraderie.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, launched in December 2024, has already inspired more than 3.5 lakh citizens across 10,000+ locations nationwide. Since its inception, the participation has grown by leaps in just six months. This impressive surge can be attributed to partners such as the CISF, armed forces, Indian Medical Association, journalist associations, teachers, corporates, celebrities, and professionals from various fields, who have wholeheartedly embraced the cause.
As we pedal towards a healthier nation, It's clear that the Fit India Movement is an empowering force that unifies India. (ANI)
[1] The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.
[2] Participation figures in early June 2025
A sneak peek into the broader impact of Fit India Sundays on Cycle:
- Nationwide reach: Activities have been held in locations spanning Alwar to Tinsukia and Kurukshetra to Bolpur.
- Partnerships: The initiative has garnered support from organizations like the CISF, armed forces, Indian Medical Association, journalist associations, teachers, corporates, celebrities, and various professionals.
- Government endorsement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support through his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', highlighting the initiative's role in promoting a healthier and greener India.
- The news of Fit India Sundays on Cycle spread across India, reaching cities from Alwar to Tinsukia and Kurukshetra to Bolpur, as it gained endorsement from various government organizations, such as the CISF and Indian Medical Association, as well as journalism associations, teachers, corporates, celebrities, and professionals from various fields.
- Beyond cycling, the Fit India Sundays initiative has also incorporated other fitness activities, like Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping, thanks to support from organizations such as My Bharat, the Rope skipping federation of India, and Yogasana Bharat. This multifaceted approach to fitness and wellness has been advocated by celebrities like Madhurima Tuli, who promotes cycling as a means of staying healthy and mentally rejuvenated.
- In his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the role of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in promoting a greener and healthier India. Sports personalities like wrestler Anirudh Kumar and mountaineer Narender Kumar are testaments to the initiative's success, as they lauded the impact of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in boosting fitness levels, fostering camaraderie, and keeping India's youth motivated to stay active and away from harmful distractions and addictions.
