Latest news with #SundaysonCycle
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
This word means: Sundays on Cycle
WHY NOW? Sunday (June 1) marked the 25th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, which was dedicated as a tribute to India's armed forces under the banner of the 'Tiranga Rally' in multiple cities. Over 1,200 cyclists participated in the rally at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, led by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. Fit India Sundays on Cycle is a nationwide fitness initiative to combat obesity. Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the campaign aims to promote cycling as a sustainable, inclusive, and eco-friendly form of exercise. As normal physical movement becomes limited and the dependency on food and grocery delivery apps increases for a section of the urban population, getting regular exercise has become a challenge. Cycling comes in here as a budget-friendly, high-impact form of exercise that not only improves cardiovascular health and boosts mental well-being but also addresses the risks of youth obesity. Since its launch, the initiative has been held at over 5,000 locations, with participation from more than 3 lakh people. One can participate through a simple registration process on the MyBharat and Fit India website and mobile app. Several Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres and Khelo India Centres (KICs) now host a variety of fitness activities during Sundays on Cycle events. These include Zumba, rope skipping, guided yoga sessions, and free health check-ups conducted by experts from the National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent Mann Ki Baat address, emphasised the need for nationwide awareness and collective action to reduce obesity, particularly through reducing edible oil consumption. India is grappling with a silent yet serious health crisis. Once seen as an issue limited to urban lifestyles (although still concentrated there), obesity has now spread across all sections of society, cutting across age groups, genders, and income levels. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. On the other hand, being overweight is a condition of excessive fat deposits. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) stated that over 24 per cent of Indian women and 23 per cent of Indian men are obese. Of greater concern is the rising number of children under the age of five who are now classified as overweight. A Lancet study earlier this year found that in 2021, India had overtaken China to become the country with the largest number of overweight and obese older adolescents, aged between 15 and 24. This growing trend is largely driven by unhealthy eating habits, sedentary routines, and a sharp decline in physical activity — all increasingly common in modern Indian lifestyles. High levels of sugar, salt and food items are a matter of concern, especially as the MNCs producing them have shifted from high-income to low- and middle-income countries.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle to be commemorated as special Tiranga Rally
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): A landmark 25th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, termed Tiranga Rally, is set for Sunday, across the nation. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will lead this special edition in the national capital, scheduled at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium. With World Bicycle Day scheduled for Sunday's event will not only reinforce the message of cycling's big role in fitness but also serve as a collective tribute to India's armed forces. A footfall of over 1,200 cyclists in the national capital is expected and simultaneously, over 2,000 locations across the nation will lend hand in organising events this Sunday, according to a press release from SAI Media. As part of the event, the Governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, will flag off the Bhubaneswar edition of the Tiranga Rally, further signifying the pan-India importance of the initiative. Joining the Delhi leg of the rally alongside Mansukh Mandaviya will be prominent personalities from sports and entertainment, including Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, international wrestler Sarita Mor, Bollywood actor Sharvari, and former cricketer and selector Saba Karim. A host of activities, which include some significant project launches, are planned in the presence of Mandaviya. The Tiranga Rally will mark a high point in the Fit India movement's efforts to make fitness accessible, inclusive, and patriotic. With roads across the nation turning into open-air cycling tracks and families, students, influencers, and senior citizens joining in, the initiative is building a culture of health that spreads over various demographics and scenic locations in the country. Since its inception in December 2024, the Sundays on Cycle initiative has witnessed phenomenal reach--having touched over 5,500 locations and seeing participation from more than 3 lakh citizens. The movement has also garnered over 3.44 billion digital impressions, with support pouring in from icons like Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and the legendary Dara Singh, among others. Several Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres as well as Khelo India Centres (KICs) feature community-focused fitness activities such as zumba, rope-skipping, guided yoga sessions, and free health check-ups by experts from the National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) during the Sundays on Cycle events. (ANI)
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
"Remind everyone to take up cycling or some form of fitness": Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
New Delhi [India], May 25, (ANI): Not even the stormy skies of Delhi could stop the energy of over 300 fitness enthusiasts who cycled alongside the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in a spirited edition of Sundays on Cycle with journalists and members of the media fraternity as special guests at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday, according to a release from Sai Media. The event saw participation from the Delhi Journalist Association, the Delhi Sports Journalist Association, athletes, and citizens. It featured a 4 km ride, with media professionals who called the experience a 'wake-up call.' 'I am glad that today's Sundays on Cycle was a success despite the rain. Our journalist friends showed up in full spirit, and it's truly heartening to witness. Journalists rarely have a peaceful routine--they work day and night. The headlines we read each morning are the result of their tireless efforts through the night. For them to continue doing this important work, staying fit is essential. That's why I invited them--to show appreciation and to gently remind everyone to take up cycling or some form of fitness,' said Minister Mandaviya in his address. 'I had a wonderful experience here today. Sundays on Cycle, an initiative by the Fit India Movement and the Sports Authority of India, is a fantastic way to stay healthy and active. I've always believed that the key to a healthy life is regular fitness. Everyone should walk for at least half an hour each day to stay fit--and now I see that cycling is just as powerful! Avoid junk food, keep moving, and stay fit,' said athlete guest Rodali Barua, Taekwondo Asian Championship Medalist, who also joined the journalists at the event.' Rakesh Thapliyal, President of the Delhi Journalist Association, expressed his gratitude and added, 'It was a wonderful experience to be invited by the Minister. Despite the rain and our late-night work schedules, so many journalists showed up--it proves fitness can be fun. Just an hour of activity like cycling can go a long way in improving health and reducing medical expenses.' Abhishek Tripathi, President of the Delhi Sports Journalist Association, said joining the Minister for Sundays on Cycle was a reality check, 'Just 3-4 km left many of us breathless! It reminded us how important fitness is, especially for media professionals who are always on the go. Cycling is not just great for our health, but also for the environment.' From Delhi's media spotlight to the royal streets of Agartala, the pedal-powered movement echoed across India at various locations, bringing together hundreds of participants. Over 120 cyclists rallied from Ujjayanta Palace, led by the Governor of Tripura as Chief Guest. Minister Tinku Roy, alongside senior officials like SB Nath, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, and SAI's Regional Director, joined the community ride -- a symbolic push for a healthier, united Tripura. 'We were honoured to be part of this movement,' said Bicycle Mayor Gopesh Debnath, who led the ride with his Agartala Cycloholics Foundation. At SAI STC Bengaluru, 70 media members joined the cycling rally with the President and Secretary of the Media Federation of India, Arun Sharma and Amitha Sharma. With wheels turning and conversations buzzing, the ride emphasised that a fitter India starts with an informed and inspired media. The Kokrajhar edition covered a scenic 6 km stretch from SAI STC to Bodoland Secretariat, flagged off by Pritam Brahma Choudhary and Suraj Basumatary of the Press Club Kokrajhar. Bibari Brahma, a former international badminton player, also participated, adding sporting prestige to the pedal power. Despite a modest turnout, the STC Raipur event brought together 35 spirited participants, including media leaders PK Rao, State Secretary of the Media Association of India, and Manohar Singh, State President of Bharatiya Rashtriya Patrika Sangh. The cycling initiative has now rolled through 5,500+ locations and reached over 3 lakh citizens since its launch in December 2024. Social media buzzed with endorsements from icons including Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Dara Singh, all lending their voices to inspire everyday fitness. With a growing chorus of support from policymakers, athletes, and civil society, Sundays on Cycle continues to roll into hearts and headlines, turning cities into cycling corridors and citizens into health ambassadors. As rain or shine events like these show, fitness waits for no weather. (ANI)
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Celebrities including Olympians, chess grandmaster, actors join 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle'
Celebrities including Olympians, chess grandmaster, actors and fitness icons have joined 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' to mark eight years of GST and celebrated a nationwide commitment to fitness, uniting thousands across CBIC-GST centres in a synchronised push towards health, community, and cleaner air. Actor and fitness icon Suneil Shetty gave a powerful call for consistent wellness at the nationwide Sundays on Cycle event, hosted by the Fit India Movement in collaboration with CBIC-GST, saying, 'Wellness is far cheaper than illness. Fitness should not be a one-day thing, like cycling only today, but must be practised every day for overall wellness. Only then does it make a difference.' Shetty joined participants at the GST Commissionerate in Mumbai, adding star power and substance to an initiative that's fast becoming a people's movement. The May 18 event marked eight years of GST and celebrated a nationwide commitment to fitness, uniting thousands across CBIC-GST centres in a synchronised push towards health, community, and cleaner air. At Thiruvananthapuram, the event was flagged off by three celebrated Olympians and international athletes — Jisna Mathew (Rio 2016, 4x400m), M.P. Jabir (Tokyo 2020, 400m hurdles), and Anu Raghavan (Asian Games and Championship medalist). Their presence inspired over 200 participants to take on the cycling trail with passion and pride. Leading the peloton were five of India's top cyclists — Pooja Danole, Dhanyadha JP, Srimathi J, Rejiya Devi, and Niraimathi J — each a decorated national and international medalist. Their guidance powered the message: fitness isn't just a sprint, it's a marathon we ride together. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, cycling was just one part of the movement. Chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev, fresh from her gold medal win at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, joined the ride and energised crowds with a fitness-forward message. 'Fitness doesn't need fancy equipment or a gym — just willpower and discipline,' she said. 'Stamina is essential even in chess. Cycling is now a big part of my fitness regime.' The capital's event, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, featured Zumba, rope skipping, and yoga sessions, transforming the Sunday into a celebration of movement and mental wellness. The event was held at various locations across the country including SAI RCs, STCs, NCOEs, Khelo India Centres, and all key CBIC-GST centres. Shashank Priya, Special Secretary and Member, CBIC GST, added, 'This collaboration with Fit India and GST is a strong message that fitness is for everyone — not just for athletes. It's encouraging to see such awareness around lifestyle diseases and the need for better food habits and less sugar.' 'What we eat is also important so that we control too much sugar and aerated drinks. It's important to ensure so we can fight obesity. We are prone to heart disease so it is important to move towards this goal of a fitter, healthier India,' he added. The cycling initiative has now rolled through 5,500+ locations and reached over 3 lakh citizens since its launch in December 2024. Social media buzzed with endorsements from icons including Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Dara Singh, all lending their voices to inspire everyday fitness. 'India is coming together to take a step towards fitness by cycling. I urge everyone to join our officers this Sunday and make it a memorable event,' said Shankar Mahadevan, in his video message. 'Fit Hum, Toh Fit India,' added Milind Soman. With growing momentum, Fit India's Sundays on Cycle is redefining how we move, one pedal stroke at a time — turning public spaces into wellness hubs, and citizens into champions of health.
