New Delhi|HL
The Fit India movement pedalled into its 88th week on Sunday, with ‘Sundays on Cycle’ held simultaneously at more than 25,000 locations across the country. The National Sports Day edition took on special significance this time, bringing together top government functionaries, sporting icons and diplomats from BRICS partner nations at a flagship event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
A Fitness Movement with a Diplomatic Edge
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the proceedings, flagging off the ride alongside Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, wrestler Sangram Singh, and actor Madhurima Tuli. The event, organised in collaboration with BRICS under the banner of “BRICS Run & Ride 2026,” doubled as a warm welcome to dignitaries ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12–13.
“This week’s edition is dedicated to our esteemed dignitaries and members from BRICS who will be a part of the summit on 12th and 13th. We are delighted to welcome them today,” Dr. Mandaviya said.
Envoys and senior representatives from seven BRICS partner nations joined the ride:
- Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa Syed Zulkarnain Wafa – Chargé d’Affaires, High Commission of Malaysia
- Mr. Trinh Minh Manh – Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of Vietnam
- Mr. Yudho Sasongko – Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia
- Mr. Mikhail Kasko – Ambassador, Embassy of Belarus
- Mr. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera – Ambassador, Embassy of Cuba
- Mr. Nebiyu Tedla Negash – Ambassador, Embassy of Ethiopia
- Mr. Roman Babushkin – Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia
Senior Indian officials in attendance included Shri Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Department of Sports), Shri Sunil Paliwal (Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs), and Shri Sudhakar Dalela (Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs).
“Not Just an Event — A Movement”
Speaking after flagging off the ride, Padma Shree awardee Gautam Gambhir underscored the larger purpose behind the initiative:
“This event, organised by the government for Fit India, is an exceptional initiative. My belief is that the fitter India remains, the stronger India will be, and the more self-reliant India will become. Therefore, we should view this not merely as an event, but as a movement. It is our responsibility, especially the youth here at this event, to try and turn this into a movement, ensuring that our youth and everyone else remain fit, leading to a fitter and stronger nation.”
Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the three core benefits of the initiative — fitness, reduced pollution, and eased traffic congestion — urging citizens to make cycling a habitual part of their weekly routine.
“The 88th edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ has kicked off at over 25,000 locations across the country. The craze for cycling is growing nationwide, and ‘Sundays on Cycle’ is gradually becoming a passion among the people. Let us all step away from mobile and computer screens for an hour each day to head outdoors, cycle, play sports, and keep ourselves fit,” he added.
Energy on the Ground
More than 5,000 participants — spanning youth, senior citizens, and BRICS delegates alike — turned out at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, cycling, dancing and taking part in on-ground activities. An ITBP brass band performance lent a festive air to the morning, which carried added weight coming just a day after National Sports Day.
About the Initiative
Envisioned by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat. The initiative runs across all States and Union Territories through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Khelo India network, and has steadily grown into one of the country’s largest recurring grassroots fitness movements.
