TENNIS legend Leander Paes and badminton great Pullela Gopichand joined sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya for the 56 th edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle’, whichis a fitness initiative of the sports ministry, here. Fit India’s flagship mass fitness movement ‘Sundays on Cycle’ (SoC), made a comeback to the national capital on Sunday. More than 1000 people, including 500 young leaders from across the country, participated in the fitness festival, followed by a Cycle Rally, beating the 6 degree winter cold at 7am.

 

The young leaders, who were here to participate in the three day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, a national platform meant to identify and promote youngsters who want to be part of public life, took part as special invitees. The Sundays on Cycle was held across 15000 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 along side actress Payal Rohat giand a distinguished line-up of athletes, including Olympian judo ka Garima Choudhary.

 

“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,” said Mandaviya here. Appreciating the 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.” “Today we have fun on our finger tips 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 Mallakham band rope-skipping performances by athletes, drawing loud applause from the crowd.