Latest news with #FitIndia


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Shankar Mahadevan on IPL 2025 closing ceremony: ‘I feel truly humbled to pay tribute to our Armed Forces'
Over 15,000 cyclists nationwide participated in the Tiranga Rally, honoring armed forces during Fit India Sundays. Led by Dr. Mandaviya, the event celebrated patriotism, fitness, and environmental awareness, featuring celebrities and highlighting national unity through cycling.


India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Tiranga Rally: 25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle pays tribute to armed forces, celebrates World Bicycle Day
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): The 25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, celebrated as Tiranga Cycling Rally, was successfully held in various parts of the country on Sunday morning. Highlighting a powerful blend of patriotism, fitness, and environmental awareness, more than 15000 cyclists from over 5000 locations joined in for a nationwide tribute to India's armed forces, as per a press release from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Media. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, led over 1500 cyclists at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium here, alongside Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, sports icons - Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketer Saba Karim, wrestler Sarita Mor, Bollywood actress Sharvari, and the Indian cycling team. One of the major highlights of the Sunday morning remained a full-fledged participation of cyclists from several regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including Jammu, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, Samba and more. These cycling drives were conducted by several Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and SAI Training Centres (STCs). Paying tribute to the armed forces, especially in light of the recent successful Operation Sindoor, Dr Mandaviya emphasized the deeper significance of this edition. 'This Tiranga Rally is a salute to our jawans and their sacrifice. Fitness and patriotism go hand in hand,' the Minister said. The landmark edition saw the launch of two key initiatives - the 'Fit India Newsletter' and the 'Carbon Credit Feature' on the 'Fit India' mobile app, where cyclists can now track the carbon credits they save by cycling regularly. 'One download of the app will make you a part of the Fit India movement,' Dr Mandaviya added. 'Your speed--from 7 to 34 kmph--and your distance will be recorded, and your carbon credits will be added.' The newly launched Fit India Newsletter will also serve as a monthly digest, featuring inspiring news stories as well as updates and training tips from various fitness influencers. Actress Sharvari, who is hailed as an upcoming superstar and is credited for films like Munjiya and Maharaja, was awarded the title of 'Young Fit India Icon' by Dr Mandaviya at the event. 'This movement is huge, and it is an honour to be a Fit India Icon. Cycling reminds me of school summer holidays--we all used to hire cycles and set out. This cycle rally is even more significant for me because this is for our brave soldiers. We can sleep peacefully in our homes because of them, and it is my great honour to pay tribute to their bravery through this Tiranga Rally,' he said. The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative started in December 2024 with 150-odd cyclists and the participation figure has grown by leaps in a span of six months. Credit for this huge surge goes to partners such as the CISF, Indian Medical Association, journalist associations, teachers, Corporates, and professionals from several other walks of life who have made this possible. In this edition, the special partners were the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, Association of Indian Universities, BYCS India, CultFit and Red FM. Olympian and wrestling champion Yogeshwar Dutt called the initiative 'a movement that links national health with national pride'. He remarked, 'If we are healthy, the country will be healthy. Young kids, senior citizens, all are participating. That's the power of this campaign.' Several athletes pan-India also joined in to make the landmark 25th edition of Sundays of Cycle a grand success. Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Dipa Karmakar flagged off the rally in SAI Training Centre (STC) Agartala, while in SAI Sonepat, Deepika Kumari ( Padma Shri Awardee Archer), Purnima Mahato (Padma Shri Archery Coach), Arjuna Awardees Sumit Antil, Paralympics Double Gold Medallist and Asian Games Gold medallists Jyothi Surekha , Ojas Deotale, Aditi Gopichand Swami, Paralympians Sundar Gurjar and Pushpender took part. Renowned Indian Hockey player SK Uthappa was also in attendance in SAI Bengaluru. Meanwhile, there was a big representation of the All India Police force in SAI Rohtak. Rekha Arya, the Sports Minister of Uttarakhand, and Girish Yadav, the Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh, joined in from respective events in Uttarakhand and Varanasi. Former cricketer and sports administrator Saba Karim praised the inclusiveness of the initiative. 'This is a brilliant step by SAI. Cycling keeps us fit and our surroundings green. I used to cycle to school myself. There's no maintenance, no pollution. A perfect tool for health and the environment.' Wrestler Sarita Mor, too, spoke passionately: 'I feel blessed to be part of this initiative started by PM Narendra Modi. Cycling is already a part of my training routine. Today, with this rally, we also remember our brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor. It is because of them that we stay safe today.' (ANI)


Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Wrestling will be biggest contributor to India's medal tally in 2036: Yogeshwar Dutt
Yogeshwar Dutt (ANI Photo) Former Olympic medalist and celebrated wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt expressed optimism about India's wrestling future, saying the sport will play a pivotal role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics in India. Speaking at the 25th edition of the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' Tiranga Rally in New Delhi, Dutt was quoted as saying, "Wrestling will be the biggest contributor to India's medal tally if the Olympics are held here in 2036." Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Reflecting on the turmoil caused by the controversy surrounding former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, Dutt admitted that the last two years had severely impacted the sport. "There was a negative image across the country. We could have won two or three medals in Paris, but the situation hampered our progress," he said. Who's that IPL player? However, he welcomed the lifting of the Sports Ministry's ban on WFI and said the sport is gradually returning to stability. "The federation has resumed its work. Before the crisis, we were consistently winning medals and even launched the Pro Wrestling League to support poor wrestlers and provide international exposure," he added. IPL 2025 Winner Prediction: What Greenstone Lobo's Astrology says Dutt believes that with the right infrastructure and support, Indian wrestling can achieve even greater success. "India is working hard to become a global sports power. I am confident that wrestling will lead the way in our medal haul at the 2036 Olympics," he said, underscoring the potential of the sport to shine on the biggest global stage.


Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
25th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' pays tribute to armed forces; celebrates World Bicycle Day
The 25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, celebrated as Tiranga Cycling Rally, was successfully held across the nation on Sunday morning. Highlighting a powerful blend of patriotism, fitness and environmental awareness, more than 15,000 cyclists from over 5000 locations joined in for a nationwide tribute to India's armed forces. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya led over 1500 cyclists at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium here, alongside Secretary (Sports) Ranjan Rao, sports icons - Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketer Saba Karim, wrestler Sarita Mor, Bollywood actress Sharvari and the Indian cycling team. One of the major highlights of the Sunday morning remained a full-fledged participation of cyclists from several regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including Jammu, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, Samba and more. These cycling drives were conducted by several Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and SAI Training Centres (STCs). Paying tribute to the armed forces, especially in light of the recent successful Operation Sindoor, Mandaviya emphasised the deeper significance of this edition. 'This Tiranga Rally is a salute to our jawans and their sacrifice. Fitness and patriotism go hand in hand,' he said. The landmark edition saw the launch of two key initiatives – the Fit India Newsletter and the Carbon Credit Feature on the Fit India mobile app, where cyclists can now track the carbon credits they save by cycling regularly. 'One download of the app will make you a part of the Fit India movement. Your speed - from 7 to 34 kmph - and your distance will be recorded, and your carbon credits will be added," Mandaviya added. The newly launched Fit India Newsletter will also serve as a monthly digest, featuring inspiring news stories as well as updates and training tips from various fitness influencers. Actress Sharvari, who has been hailed as an upcoming superstar and is credited for films like Munjiya and Maharaja, was awarded the title of 'Young Fit India Icon' by Mandaviya at the event. 'This movement is huge and it's an honour to be a Fit India Icon. Cycling reminds me of school summer holidays - we all used to hire cycles and set out,' she said. 'This cycle rally is even more significant for me because this is for our brave soldiers. We can sleep peacefully in our homes because of them and it is my great honour to pay tribute to their bravery through this Tiranga Rally.' Olympian and wrestling champion Yogeshwar Dutt called the initiative 'a movement that links national health with national pride'. He remarked, 'If we are healthy, the country will be healthy. Young kids, senior citizens, all are participating. That's the power of this campaign.' Several athletes pan-India also joined in to make the landmark 25th edition of Sundays of Cycle a grand success. Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Dipa Karmakar flagged off the rally in SAI Training Centre (STC) Agartala while in SAI Sonepat, Deepika Kumari (Padma Shri Awardee Archer), Purnima Mahato (Padma Shri Archery Coach), Arjuna Awardees Sumit Antil, Paralympics double gold medallist and Asian Games gold medallists Jyothi Surekha, Ojas Deotale, Aditi Gopichand Swami, Paralympians Sundar Gurjar and Pushpender took part. Renowned Indian hockey player S.K Uthappa was also in attendance in SAI Bengaluru. Meanwhile, there was a big representation of the All India Police force in SAI Rohtak. Rekha Arya, Sports Minister of Uttarakhand, and Girish Yadav, Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh, joined in for respective events in Uttarakhand and Varanasi. Former cricketer and sports administrator Saba Karim praised the inclusiveness of the initiative. 'This is a brilliant step by SAI. Cycling keeps us fit and our surroundings green. I used to cycle to school myself. There's no maintenance, no pollution. A perfect tool for health and environment," he said. Wrestler Sarita Mor, too, spoke passionately, "I feel blessed to be part of this initiative started by PM Shri Narendra Modi. Cycling is already a part of my training routine. Today, with this rally, we also remember our brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor. It is because of them that we stay safe today."


India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
"With the momentum MI have...": Saba Karim on Qualifier 2 IPL clash against PBKS
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim expressed that the five-time champions look more dominant heading into the Qualifier two against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and also added that it would be great for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans if their team wins the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time. Karim spoke at the Fit India 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative in Delhi on Sunday. Speaking about the MI-PBKS qualifier clash, Karim said, 'With the momentum that Mumbai Indians have, I think it will be favourable for their victory. It is a good team, they have a strong bowling. They look more dominant the way they are playing.' PBKS, though they topped the league stage with nine wins, four losses, a no result and a total of 19 points, suffered a crushing loss to RCB by eight wickets, which saw them get skittled out for 101 at Mullanpur. MI, on the other hand, put in a strong batting performance against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the eliminator, defending 228 runs and winning a well-contested match by 20 runs. On RCB lifting the title in their star batter Virat Kohli's 18th season, Saba said, 'Hope so, his performance has been so good. He has been working so hard, and it would be good for RCB fans if they win the IPL this time around.' In 14 matches so far, Virat has scored 614 runs at an average of 55.81, with eight half-centuries and the best score of 73*. He has batted with a fine strike rate of over 146 and is the fifth-highest run-getter this season. Saba also said that India's upcoming tour of England, consisting of five Tests, will give a new-look, young side a nice opportunity to perform well under the leadership of newly-appointed red-ball captain Shubman Gill. 'We have a fine bench strength. Youngsters are getting a chance, what is better than that? There is a young captain. It is a good chance for these youngsters to perform well,' he said. The tour will start from June 20 with the first Test at Leeds and will consist of five Tests. The month of June not only marks the beginning of India's new ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27), but also signals the dawn of a new chapter in Indian cricket. With Gill at the helm, a youthful Indian side will face a stern challenge in England, known for its testing conditions and formidable home record. Gill's leadership will be closely watched as he attempts to guide a fresh-faced team in the absence of some of India's most experienced Test campaigners. India squad for England tour: Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav Saba also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of meeting the 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had a breakout IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals and hailed the youngster's ability. 'That kid is very talented. To reach this platform and perform so well at this age, it shows that the game has reached in every corner of the game. So many good players are coming out. The support BCCI is giving, the gesture of PM Modi is fantastic. It sends a great message,' he added. Suryavanshi played seven matches for RR, scoring 252 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 206.55, with a century and fifty to his name. His century is the fastest by an Indian in IPL history and came in 35 balls against GT. It also made him the youngest centurion in T20 cricket. (ANI)