Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium came alive on Sunday morning as the Indian Railways, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, flagged off the latest edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative. Part of the wider Fit India Movement, the event seeks to instil a culture of health, environmental responsibility, and inclusive fitness among citizens.
The event attracted a vibrant mix of cyclists from enthusiastic citizens and government officials to sports personalities and Bollywood celebrities—all pedalling in support of a fitter, greener India. Actress Madhurima Tuli, one of the key faces at the rally, voiced her appreciation for the initiative, calling it “crucial for both mental and physical wellness.” She emphasised the need to globalise such grassroots-level health campaigns, calling it a proud moment to participate.
The event also carried a strong nationalistic spirit, aligning health with patriotic sentiment. This 25th edition of the Sunday cycling campaign was celebrated as a Tiranga Cycling Rally, drawing participation from over 15,000 cyclists across 5,000+ locations nationwide. In Delhi alone, more than 1,500 riders joined the rally at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, led by Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.Dr Mandaviya described the cycling event as a tribute to India’s armed forces, especially in the context of recent defence achievements such as Operation Sindoor. “This Tiranga Rally is our salute to our jawans. Fitness and patriotism go hand-in-hand,” he said. His remarks resonated with the crowd, many of whom were young professionals, athletes, and everyday commuters eager to make a sustainable shift in their daily routines.
The event had wide geographical reach, with strong participation from regions in Jammu and Kashmir, including Poonch, Baramulla, and Bandipora. These were organised with support from Khelo India Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and Sports Authority of India Training Centres, marking an inclusive push toward nationwide fitness and unity.In a forward-thinking move, two new digital initiatives were launched to enhance participant engagement. The newly introduced Fit India Newsletter will serve as a monthly source of health tips, motivational stories, and updates from the fitness community. Meanwhile, a Carbon Credit Feature on the Fit India mobile app will allow cyclists to track the environmental benefits of their rides—monitoring distance, speed, and the amount of carbon emissions saved through non-motorised transport.
Bollywood actress Sharvari, celebrated for her recent performances in Munjiya and Maharaja, was honoured at the event as the ‘Young Fit India Icon’. In an emotionally charged statement, she reflected on her childhood memories of cycling and dedicated her participation to the bravery of India’s soldiers. “This rally holds deep meaning for me. It’s not just about fitness; it’s a way to honour those who protect our freedom,” she said.Since its modest beginnings in December 2024 with just 150 cyclists, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a pan-India movement. Supported by organisations such as the Indian Medical Association, the Cycling Federation of India, CISF, and even media and corporate partners, the campaign is steadily redefining urban mobility by advocating healthier and greener commuting choices.
The initiative not only encourages daily physical activity but also champions sustainable living practices—positioning cycling as a powerful symbol of eco-conscious development. By combining fitness, patriotism, and environmental responsibility, Fit India Sundays on Cycle serves as a transformative step toward building equitable and carbon-neutral cities across India.
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