The 83rd edition of the Fit India Movement’s ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative commemorated the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War nationwide. Citizens, Armed Forces personnel, athletes, and students participated in cycling events across the country to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. The campaign also launched the Fit India Volunteers Programme to engage young people in sports management and fitness events, recognizing their contributions through certificates.
The cycling drive took place in major cities and Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centers from Leh to Kanyakumari. Young athletes joined the event to honor the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. In New Delhi, serving and retired personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with students, fitness enthusiasts, and the public, participated in the event.
Major Shubhanshu Bharadwaj expressed satisfaction at the initiative, emphasizing the importance of health for national progress. Students and faculty members from Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, participated in the event as part of the institution’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the connection between youth participation, fitness, and nation-building. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, the chief guest, lauded the Fit India Movement for promoting healthy lifestyles through community-based initiatives.
The newly introduced Fit India Volunteers Programme garnered positive feedback, with many students from Maitreyi College registering through the Fit India portal. The initiative aims to offer young volunteers exposure to organizing high-level sporting and fitness events while acknowledging their efforts through certification. Regular participant Rohit Dwivedi shared that cycling alongside Armed Forces members and hearing stories of Kargil heroes evoked strong emotions and reinforced his sense of responsibility as a young Indian.
Launched by the Government of India, the Fit India Movement encourages active lifestyles among citizens. The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative, conceptualized by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat across states and Union Territories.
