The 72nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle featured a nationwide event celebrating fitness, sustainability and grassroots participation, uniting farmers, agricultural stakeholders and citizens with the special 'Annadata Fitness Ride' inspired by the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex in New Delhi, participants from diverse backgrounds gathered for a vibrant morning that included Zumba sessions, yoga zones, rope skipping, and interactive games. After the flag-off, cyclists rode under the unified message “Pedal chalao, prakriti bachao.”
The Delhi event hosted key figures including Anissa Nabi Jikas, Chief Sports Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council; Krishna Kumar from Bhartiya Kisan Sangh; and Vikram Singh Farswan, National In-charge, Agrivision Bharat, alongside other prominent agriculture and youth representatives. They highlighted the vital role of farmers and allied communities in fostering a healthier and self-reliant India.
Anissa Nabi, also a Fit India Ambassador, spoke on inclusivity in fitness, stating, “Cycling is an activity that people of all age groups can take up. It helps us stay fit, healthy, and active, and brings people together through fitness.” Krishna Kumar of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh added, “Cycling is commonly used in farms and villages. This is a meaningful initiative that promotes both health and awareness.”
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from ordinary citizens. Ramesh Yadav from Rohini said, “I came thinking it’s just a cycle ride, but this feels like a celebration of our farmers and our lifestyle.” College student Priya Sharma expressed, “Seeing farmers and youth ride together is inspiring. It shows fitness can unite everyone.” Another participant, Sunil Mehta, remarked, “The energy here motivates you to make cycling a daily habit, not just a Sunday activity.”
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised 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.
Outside Delhi, the ‘Annadata’ theme resonated across the country. At Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, a large fitness ride took place in partnership with Fit India and Agrivision Haryana, involving agricultural students, farmers and university officials, with Dr Vinod Kumar Verma and Dr Madan Khichar attending to reinforce the integration of fitness in rural and agricultural life.
In Gwalior, students from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) organised a cycling rally led by Vice Chancellor Prof Kalpana Sharma, promoting environmental conservation and active living.
Similarly, in Bikaner, the Annadata Fitness Ride saw student and stakeholder participation guided by Dr BN Sarangi and the Agrivision team, while Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana hosted an energetic event supported by local authorities and student leaders. Dharwad also witnessed active involvement, combining cycling with basketball and fitness routines.
Launched in December 2024 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a major movement, with over 2.8 million participants across more than 263,000 locations nationwide since its initiation. The cycling campaign is conducted 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). By centring farmers at the 72nd edition, the event reinforced the connection between health, the environment and those who sustain the nation.