Mandaviya Leads 88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle at JLN Stadium

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led the 88th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with more than 5,000 participants joining the special BRICS Run & Ride 2026 event.

The cycling initiative was organised simultaneously at over 25,000 locations across the country, with youth, senior citizens, sports personalities and representatives of BRICS partner nations participating in the nationwide fitness movement.

The latest edition assumed added significance as India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Mandaviya said the special edition was dedicated to dignitaries and members of BRICS countries who will attend the summit.

He highlighted cycling's three-fold benefits of improving fitness, reducing pollution and easing traffic congestion, while encouraging citizens to incorporate cycling into their weekly routines.

“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,” Mandaviya said, underlining the government's push for greater public participation in physical activities.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, wrestler Sangram Singh and actor Madhurima Tuli joined the minister at the event. Gambhir flagged off the cycling ride and described the Fit India initiative as a movement capable of contributing to a fitter and stronger nation.Several senior diplomats from BRICS partner countries also took part, including representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Belarus, Cuba, Ethiopia and Russia.

The event featured cycling and recreational activities, while an ITBP brass band performance added to the festive atmosphere. It was held a day after National Sports Day, further reinforcing the focus on sports and active lifestyles.

Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat, and is conducted nationwide through the SAI and Khelo India networks.