Metro India News | Hyderabad

The 57th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle on Sunday in Hyderabad, organised by the Union Sports Ministry in association with Sports Authority of India, unfolded into a fitness carnival, blending sport, culture and community into one unforgettable spectacle.

Launched in December 2024 under the guidance of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a nationwide ‘jan andolan’, recording participation of over 22 lakh citizens across more than 2 lakh locations.

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz’ and addresses twin national priorities of fighting obesity and promoting sustainable, low-carbon lifestyles.

The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries and sporting icons, including Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana Shiva Sena Reddy, badminton legend a Dronacharya Awardee Pullela Gopichand, Arjuna Award winning shooter Esha Singh and Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevanji. Dr. M. Ramesh Reddy, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad City, as well as several other athletes, Fit India Ambassadors, Champions and cycling leaders from Hyderabad were felicitated for their contribution to spreading the fitness message.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the importance of integrating fitness into daily life, noting how initiatives like Sundays on Cycle reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a healthier and more active society.

"A Healthy India is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ultimate goal, and through the Fit India Mission, we are working to reverse the health issues caused by modern lifestyles. Today, changes in our diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental factors are leading to rising obesity and mental stress. To combat this, the Prime Minister has even called on citizens to reduce cooking oil consumption. We must remember that while technology has made life easier, it has reduced the physical labor that kept previous generations healthy; we must consciously reintegrate movement into our daily lives," Kishan Reddy mentioned.

Pullela Gopichand, meanwhile, emphasised the role of consistent physical activity in building both sporting excellence and disciplined lifestyles.

As a part of the event Paralympian Deepthi Jeevan and shooter Esha Singh flagged off the event. Hundreds of cyclists pedalled together along the designated route, cheered on by music performances and fellow participants, before returning to the venue where Zumba cooldown sessions, cultural acts and interactive zones continued to buzz with activity.

Over 1,000s of people, from children, youth, senior citizens, athletes and families, came together to pedal, stretch, dance and celebrate movement. Local participants echoed the sentiment that the initiative felt transformative.