Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a special National Sports Day edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organized in collaboration with BRICS partners, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event was held simultaneously at over 25,000 locations across the country.
On August 30, 2026, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a special National Sports Day edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organized in collaboration with BRICS partners, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event was held simultaneously at more than 25,000 locations across the country, marking another significant milestone for the weekly cycling movement.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the 88th edition as India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at the Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13. He expressed his delight in welcoming esteemed dignitaries and members from BRICS who will be a part of the summit on those dates.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the three-fold benefits of cycling – fitness, reduced pollution, and easing traffic congestion – while urging citizens to incorporate cycling into their weekly routine. He further stated that the 88th edition of 'Sundays on Cycle' has gained traction nationwide, with 'Sundays on Cycle' becoming a passion among the people.
The participation from distinguished representatives of BRICS partner nations included Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa Syed Zulkarnain Wafa, Chargé d’Affaires, High Commission of Malaysia; Mr. Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of Vietnam; Mr. Yudho Sasongko, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia; Mr. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador, Embassy of Belarus; Mr. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador, Embassy of Cuba; Mr. Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador, Embassy of Ethiopia; and Mr. Roman Babushkin, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia.
Senior government officials present at the occasion included Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports; Shri Sunil Paliwal, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; and Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs.
Padma Shree Gautam Gambhir, who flagged off the cycling ride, considered the event an exceptional initiative by the government for Fit India. He expressed his belief that a fitter India will lead to a stronger and more self-reliant nation.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
