Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 23 (ANI): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Sunday led a BRICS Friendship cycling event in Visakhapatnam as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organised on the sidelines of the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers' Meeting hosted by India.
The Ministers & Head of Departments from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa participated in the cycling event, highlighting the spirit of friendship and cooperation among BRICS nations, according to a press release.
The theme of this week's Fit India Sundays on Cycle was 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan'.
Speaking on the occasion, Mansukh Mandaviya said that the Fit India Movement envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is steadily expanding across the country.
"Today, youth have cycled as part of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at more than 18,000 locations across the country to spread the message of fitness. Cycling has many benefits -- it is a great exercise, helps address traffic congestion and contributes to reducing pollution. Cycling also saves fuel and helps conserve foreign exchange. Therefore, let us all stay fit to build a developed India," he said.
The visiting dignitaries appreciated the nationwide scale of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative and congratulated Mandaviya for taking the cycling movement to communities across India.
Mandaviya further said that fitness is fundamental to building a healthy and prosperous society.
"When an individual is fit, the society remains healthy, and a healthy society can build a prosperous nation. Modi ji has resolved to make India a developed nation. To fulfil this resolve, let us all keep ourselves fit by cycling every Sunday," he said.
The 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised across the country, including New Delhi, Leh, Kargil and Port Blair. Participants also took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth.
In New Delhi, a mega event was organised at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. More than 1,000 citizens participated in fitness activities beginning at 5:30 AM, including yoga, zumba and rope skipping, followed by a 5-km cycling ride around India Gate.
Former Indian Handball team captain and coach Naveen Punia and Zumba and dance choreographer Shivika Ashvine participated as special guests. A dedicated game zone featuring carrom, chess, badminton, tug of war and an obstacle race was also set up, engaging participants ranging from 5 to 85 years of age.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, organised in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat.
The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs). (ANI)
Union Minister Mandaviya, MoS Khadse lead BRICS friendship cycling event in Visakhapatnam
