Celebrating World Teachers' Day with Fit India Sundays on Cycle
This morning in New Delhi, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded the 43rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, coinciding with World Teachers' Day at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The initiative was celebrated simultaneously across more than 10,500 locations throughout the country, as reported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Over 1,000 participants, including educators from Delhi, athletes, fitness influencers, and youth, took part in the event. Notable athletes included Olympic medallist Abhishek Nain, chess champion Tania Sachdev, javelin star Sachin Yadav, and Rohtash Chaudhary, known as India's 'Push-up Man'. The event featured a lively street play dedicated to teachers, yoga sessions, skipping, fitness games, and interactive zones for children.
During his address, Mandaviya described the initiative as a significant national movement, stating, 'Through this movement, millions of citizens across over 10,500 locations are cycling every Sunday to enhance their fitness. It has evolved into a celebration of the Fit India vision articulated by our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.'
He emphasized the importance of dedicating even an hour to physical activity, asserting that this commitment would lead India towards a stronger, healthier, and more united future. He remarked, 'Today, many teachers participated in this event, sending a message to students about the importance of maintaining balance in life. Just like bicycle pedals, we can only move forward when we find balance, which is rooted in fitness.'
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) organized this event in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, establishing the cycling initiative as one of India's most influential fitness campaigns. The event also marked the launch of the official anthem for Fit India Sundays on Cycle.
The New Delhi event was conducted in collaboration with the Raahgiri Foundation and Fitspire, with Dr. Shikha Gupta leading the rope-skipping activity.
Rohtash Chaudhary, the 'Pushup Man of India' and a Guinness World Record holder, informed Mandaviya about his upcoming attempt for another Guinness World Record for the Most Push-ups in one hour with a 60 lb pack, scheduled for November 2, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
Abhishek Nain, who secured a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the Indian hockey team, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, 'As athletes, fitness is our foundation. What I observe here is not just cycling, but India embracing a health-conscious culture. It's inspiring to see the movement grow over the past few months.'
Grandmaster Tania Sachdev, attending her second Fit India Sundays on Cycle event, emotionally connected the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, saying, 'I admire our Prime Minister's commitment to sports and how he has transformed fitness into a people's movement. This initiative illustrates how fitness can unite communities. Witnessing teachers, students, and athletes cycling together was truly heartwarming.'
After 43 editions, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has engaged over 1,00,000 locations nationwide, involving more than 12 lakh individuals. Events were also held today at various venues, including SAI NCOE Guwahati, STC Rajnagaon in Chhattisgarh, SAI STC Kokrajhar, SAI NSRC Lucknow, and SAI STC Jabalpur, among others. These events are organized across State and Union Territory capitals, Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).