Olympians lead ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event in Guwahati, echoing Fit India spirit

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a fitter India, a special edition of Sundays on Cycle was held at the Sarusajai Stadium Complex on Sunday, drawing Olympians, elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts to promote an active lifestyle.

The cycling rally was flagged off early in the morning by Assam Sports Minister Shrimati Nandita Garlosa, with around 400 participants covering a six-kilometre route along NH-27 and around the Sarusajai Stadium, now renamed the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex.

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“This initiative, strongly promoted by Union Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, aligns perfectly with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Seeing the youth of Assam turn up on a Sunday morning for a cycling event is truly encouraging,” Garlosa said.

The 2012 London Olympians Jayant Talukdar (archery) and Bharat Chetri (hockey) led the cyclists, along with former world champion boxer Sarita Devi, Indian women’s football captain Ashalata Devi, and Dronacharya boxing coach Sandhya Gurung. Fit India brand ambassadors Bibhu Moni Singha, Nisha Kumari, Divya Ahuja and Shyamantak Ganguly also participated, adding star power to the event.

The sports complex came alive with yoga sessions and dance performances, while personnel from the ITBP, BSF and CRPF cheered on participants. A special kudo (Japanese martial art) demonstration by athletes from Sivasagar district further added to the festive atmosphere.

Chetri, who led India at the 2012 London Olympics, praised the nationwide initiative. “This is a remarkable platform to raise awareness about fitness across all age groups. The government is doing its part; now it is up to us to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Dronacharya awardee Sandhya Gurung echoed the sentiment, calling Sundays on Cycle a powerful vehicle to promote better health and lifestyle habits across society.

Indian women’s football stalwart Ashalata Devi, who has represented India over 100 times, was encouraged by the turnout. “It was heartening to see youngsters taking time out to cycle on a Sunday. Parents are beginning to understand that life is more than just tuition and exams,” she said.

Blending fitness, celebration and community engagement, the event captured the essence of a nationwide movement aimed at inspiring healthier living across India.