Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 1: The 25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, celebrated nationwide as the Tiranga Cycling Rally, saw resounding success on Sunday, drawing over 15,000 cyclists from more than 5,000 locations across the country. The event beautifully blended patriotism, fitness, and environmental consciousness, with participants dedicating their rides to the valor of India’s armed forces.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, flagged off the rally at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in the capital, leading a group of over 1,500 cyclists. Joining him were Secretary (Sports) Ranjan Rao, Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketer Saba Karim, wrestler Sarita Mor, actress Sharvari, and members of the Indian cycling team.
A standout feature of the rally was the enthusiastic participation from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir—including Jammu, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, and Samba—underscoring the inclusive spirit of the event. These local rides were organized by Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and SAI Training Centres (STCs).
Mandaviya, paying homage to the armed forces—especially after the recent success of Operation Sindoor—called the rally a powerful tribute to the nation’s defenders. “This Tiranga Rally is a salute to our jawans and their sacrifices. Fitness and patriotism go hand in hand,” he said.
The event also saw the launch of two new initiatives: the Fit India Newsletter and a Carbon Credit Feature integrated into the Fit India mobile app. The app now allows cyclists to track their speeds (ranging from 7 to 34 kmph), record their distances, and calculate the carbon credits saved by choosing a sustainable mode of transport. “Every download makes you part of the Fit India movement,” Mandaviya emphasized.
The monthly Fit India Newsletter aims to spotlight inspiring stories, training tips, and updates from fitness influencers, further strengthening the movement’s community impact.
Actress Sharvari, celebrated for her roles in Munjiya and Maharaja, was recognized at the event as the ‘Young Fit India Icon.’ Reflecting on her school days, she said, “Cycling reminds me of summer holidays when we’d rent bikes and ride around. Today, it’s an honor to pay tribute to our soldiers through this rally.”
Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt described the rally as “a movement that connects national health to national pride.” He added, “If we’re healthy, the nation is healthy. From kids to seniors, everyone’s participating. That’s the power of this initiative.”
Across the country, the rally saw widespread participation from sports icons. In Agartala, Olympian Dipa Karmakar flagged off the event at the SAI Training Centre. At SAI Sonepat, celebrated athletes including Padma Shri awardees Deepika Kumari and Purnima Mahato, Paralympics double gold medallist Sumit Antil, and Asian Games gold medallists Jyothi Surekha, Ojas Deotale, and Aditi Gopichand Swami, among others, joined in. Indian hockey star S.K. Uthappa added his presence at SAI Bengaluru, while the All India Police force was prominently represented in SAI Rohtak.
Sports ministers Rekha Arya (Uttarakhand) and Girish Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) participated in their respective states’ rallies, underscoring state-level support for the nationwide initiative.
Former cricketer and sports administrator Saba Karim lauded the program’s inclusivity and environmental benefits. “Cycling keeps us fit and green. I used to cycle to school myself—no maintenance, no pollution. It’s the perfect tool for health and environment,” he remarked.
Wrestler Sarita Mor also shared her pride, saying, “I feel honored to be part of this initiative started by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Cycling is already in my training routine, but today we also honor the bravery of our soldiers. Thanks to them, we sleep peacefully at night.”
With its powerful message of unity, fitness, and patriotism, the Tiranga Cycling Rally stands as a shining example of how sports can bring the nation together.