The latest edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was conducted across more than 10,000 locations on Sunday, with the main event held in Varanasi. The programme also highlighted the contribution of private security guards, who were invited as the special participants this week.
The initiative coincided with India winning the right to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and included cycling and fitness activities at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and in nearby areas. Around 1,000 participants, including students, athletes and cultural personalities, took part in the Varanasi gathering. It will mark the country’s second time staging the multi-sport event after the 2010 edition.
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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the event also recognised India’s upcoming Commonwealth Games hosting.
“Today’s mega event at the renowned Baranas Hindu University (BHU) is also a celebration of the proud milestone that Bharat is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Also, for the first time today, revered personalities from music and culture have joined the event in Varanasi. Private security guards, who work tirelessly to keep society safe are also the special partners who joined alongside our athletes who are contributing every day to make our sports culture grow in leaps and bounds.”
Top Indian sportspersons including boxer Amit Panghal, weightlifter Sunil Singh and wrestler Pooja Sihag attended the event.
Panghal, a CWG gold medallist, said hosting the Games again after 2010 would create a larger opportunity for Indian athletes.
“It’s a great opportunity that we are going to host the Commonwealth Games, again after 2010. I think more sportspersons will get to participate and win more medals. Fitness initiatives like the Sundays on Cycle will also help inspire the youth to take up both fitness and sports and excel in them,” Panghal added.
Sihag said the 2010 Games played a role in shaping her career. She added that the 2030 event could help build support for India’s long-term sporting ambitions.
“It’s great news that India will host the 2030 edition. My sports journey began when I watched the 2010 Commonwealth Games here. It’s a great inspiration for the youth, and it will pave the way for India to host the Olympics. It will change the thinking of society as well.”
Several cultural figures were also present, including Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sajan Mishra and other members from the Banaras music community. Mishra said hosting major international events would strengthen the country’s sporting outlook.
Apart from Varanasi, events under the Fit India movement were organised by the Sports Authority of India’s training centres and Khelo India centres, along with more than 4,000 cycling clubs across multiple states.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, will continue in other cities in the coming weeks, including Goa, Puducherry and Kolkata. The first-anniversary edition is scheduled later this month.
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