New Delhi, April 5 The importance of holistic fitness was powerfully demonstrated during the 68th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, held here at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex. In addition to the regular 5km cycling ride, over 800 participants took part in various fitness zones, specially set up across the complex two days before World Health Day.
These zones included activities such as badminton, table tennis, cricket, tug of war, yoga, skipping challenges, and even nostalgic indoor games like carrom, ludo, and snakes & ladders. A special yoga consultation booth, supported by the Ministry of AYUSH under its Yoga 365 initiative, provided participants with guided sessions and consultations, while a smart wall fitness challenge for neural activity and dart stations attracted enthusiastic crowds of all ages.
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes and MY Bharat. The cycling event takes place simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs).
"I came here just to cycle, but this feels like a full-fledged fitness festival. My kids are playing badminton and table tennis while I joined yoga. There is something for everyone," said Ritu Sharma, a local Delhi resident. Another participant, Jasmeet Chandok, added, "The energy here is incredible. From music to games to cycling, it feels like a World Health Day carnival."
What stood out was the overwhelming participation from India's healthcare community, with associations like the Indian Medical Association and Indian Red Cross Society joining as special partners. Supported by partners including ESIC Social Security, the event reflected a powerful convergence of healthcare and fitness, reinforcing the message that prevention and active living go hand in hand. Doctors and nurses, often seen on the frontlines of health, took center stage as champions of preventive fitness, reinforcing the message that wellness begins with daily habits.
The venue was buzzing with high-energy Zumba sessions, yoga routines, and rope skipping zones, while participants explored the wide array of recreational and fitness activities. The event also featured the presence and felicitation of several distinguished guests and fitness influencers, including former IPL cricketer Parvinder Awana, Powerlifting guru Mukesh Gehlot, and Paralympian Pushpendra Singh, along with leading medical professionals such as Dr. Shama Batra (President, East Delhi IMA), Dr. Ajay K. Gupta (President, Delhi IAP), Dr. Rajnesh Aaram (Joint Secretary, IMA HQ), Dr. Piyush Jain (Finance Secretary, IMA HQ), and Dr. Neelam Lekhi (President, DMA).
Senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush were also present, underlining the government's focus on preventive healthcare and holistic well-being.
Former Kings XI Punjab cricketer Parvinder Awana said, "This should not be limited to just Sundays. One should make it a daily habit." Powerlifting champion Mukesh Gehlot, who was also felicitated earlier in the morning, shared, "This is a new experience after many years, and I truly enjoyed it." Paralympian & Asian Para Games Medallist Pushpendra Singh added, "Our Hon'ble Prime Minister's initiative, Sundays on Cycle, is one of the best things we can adopt in our lives to stay fit."
The enthusiasm of the participants reflected in their words. A young doctor from Delhi shared that cycling alongside colleagues felt "like a celebration beyond the hospital walls," while a nursing student described the event as "a refreshing reminder that taking care of others begins with taking care of ourselves." Families, students, and senior citizens all joined in, capturing moments, taking selfies, and embracing the lively, inclusive atmosphere.
Adding a social message to the festivities, a street play by the Raahgiri Foundation highlighted the importance of active lifestyles and safer public spaces, drawing applause from the audience. Launched in December 2024 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a powerful public movement, recording participation of over 28 lakh citizens across more than 2.63 lakh locations nationwide.
