Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who led a cycle rally in the national capital on Sunday, said a healthy body is the foundation of strong leadership. Fit India’s flagship mass fitness movement, Sundays on Cycle (SoC), made a vibrant comeback, with more than 1000 people, including 500 Young Leaders, participating in the fitness festival.
This was followed by a Cycle Rally, beating the 6 degree C winter cold at 7 AM. Speaking at the Delhi event, Dr Mandaviya said, “A healthy body is the foundation of strong leadership. Cycling teaches us powerful leadership lessons—it tells us when to pedal fast, when to slow down, and most importantly, how to maintain balance to keep moving forward in life.”
The minister was joined by tennis legend Leander Paes and Badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, along with up-and-coming international wrestler Shivani Pawar.
The Young Leaders from across the country who are here to participate in the four-day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026- a national platform meant to identify and promote youngsters who want to be part of public life – took centre stage as special invitees in the 56th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle.
This edition was held across 15,000 locations, with Bhopal organising a mega event which was graced by Madhya Pradesh’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vishvas Kailash Sarang, who flagged off the cycling rally alongside actress Payal Rohatgi and a distinguished line-up of athletes, including Olympian judoka Garima Choudhary.
Appreciating the Union Minister’s vision of launching the Sundays on Cycle initiative, Gopichand said, “It is motivating to see a Minister not just putting so much thought to make fitness a part of everyday life, but also leading the entire movement from the front.
The fact that he himself participates in this event on Sunday morning after a hard week’s work speaks volumes about his commitment to creating a Fit India.”
Echoing his sentiments, Gopichand added, “Today we have fun on our fingertips so we have forgotten to have fun in nature, to step out and be part of the outside world, so I appreciate those who have turned up here today.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the morning featured an enthusiastic Zumba session, calming yoga practices, and captivating electric Mallakhamb and rope-skipping performances by athletes, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Fit India Ambassadors Timsy Bector and Divya Ahuja joined in the fun and also shared important fitness tips for winter, stressing on the need for continued exercises and easy warm-ups at home, even for those who are aged and cannot step out of home.
The 56th edition dedicated to Young Leaders, who were joined by citizens, athletes and fitness enthusiasts, reinforces the message that physical fitness is integral to nation-building and leadership and that Fit India Sundays on Cycle has become an integral part of the Viksit Bharat journey.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle is supported by the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, My Bharat, and Fit India Cycling Clubs as regular partners.