The 53rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised along the picturesque Konkan coast of Goa on Sunday, dedicated to Vijay Diwas, with the Armed Forces as special partners. The event marked a significant milestone for the Fit India Movement, as the nationwide fitness initiative expanded beyond the National Capital Region, reinforcing its growing reach across different parts of the country and its vision of making fitness a people’s movement.
Fit India Movement Expands Its National Footprint
The mega cycling event underscored the expanding footprint of the Fit India Movement and reaffirmed its objective of promoting fitness as a mass, inclusive and sustainable movement. By hosting the event in Goa, the initiative demonstrated its commitment to taking organised community fitness activities to diverse regions, inspiring participation at the grassroots level.
Enthusiastic Participation Along the Konkan Coast
The cycling rally was flagged off from Miramar Beach Circle and followed a scenic route up to Dona Paula and back, drawing enthusiastic participation from citizens, armed forces personnel, NCC cadets, athletes, actors and fitness enthusiasts. The vibrant turnout reflected strong community engagement and widespread public support for fitness-led initiatives.
The morning programme featured yoga demonstrations, Zumba sessions, live Goan music, and interactive activities, reinforcing the message that fitness can be enjoyable, inclusive and adaptable to different age groups and lifestyles.
Presence of Dignitaries and Eminent Personalities
The event was graced by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Hon’ble Minister for Sports, Government of Goa, along with Shri Santosh Gunwantrao Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Government of Goa, and other senior officials. Their presence highlighted the strong institutional support for promoting fitness and sports culture in the state.
Several eminent personalities from the fields of cinema, sports and defence also participated, lending further visibility and inspiration to the event.
Leadership Emphasis on Building a Fitness Culture
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar reflected on his journey of over two decades as a physical education teacher and cycling enthusiast. He emphasised the need to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem and foster a culture of everyday fitness, noting that cycling is an integral part of daily life in many European countries.
He stated that India must similarly cultivate fitness as a way of life, adding that large-scale behavioural change is possible when a significant section of the population embraces regular physical activity. He also underscored the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in promoting Sundays on Cycle across states, including Goa.
Celebrities and Sportspersons Inspire Public Participation
The event witnessed participation from eminent personalities including Telugu film actor Shri Manchu Manoj Kumar, actor Mohammed Ali, Subedar Manish Kaushik, Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, and former Indian women’s football team head coach Maymol Rocky, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Mohammed Ali expressed happiness at seeing people from all walks of life come together for fitness and appreciated the initiative for motivating citizens towards a healthier nation. Actor Manchu Manoj Kumar highlighted the importance of discipline and consistency in maintaining fitness and lauded the Fit India Movement for inspiring youth to adopt healthier lifestyles. He also commended the leadership of the Prime Minister for championing fitness-led national initiatives.
Collective Participation Strengthens the Movement
With active participation from NCC units, armed forces representatives, Fit India Ambassadors and fitness influencers, the 53rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Goa showcased the power of community-driven fitness initiatives supported by leadership, institutions and public participation.
The initiative continues to be conducted with Yogasana Bharat and MY Bharat as regular partners, further strengthening nationwide efforts to promote fitness, well-being and active lifestyles.
Conclusion
The successful organisation of the 53rd Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Goa, dedicated to Vijay Diwas, highlighted the convergence of national pride, community spirit and fitness consciousness. As the Fit India Movement continues to expand across regions, such initiatives are playing a vital role in embedding fitness into everyday life and building a healthier, more active India.
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Source: PIB
