THE 62ND EDITION of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was staged at more than 1,000 locations across the country in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), underlining India’s capacity to host major international events and its wider ambition to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The nationwide cycling drive comes as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the event’s return after a 20-year gap. Former India hockey international Rupinder Pal Singh and boxer Rohit Tokas welcomed the development, describing it as a significant boost for Indian sport.
Rupinder, part of India’s bronze medal-winning hockey team at the 2020 Summer Olympics, credited the Government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations for securing the hosting rights. He said the 2030 Games could act as a catalyst for India’s Olympic ambitions in 2036.
“The Commonwealth Games will be happening in India after a gap of 20 years which is big news for all Indian sportspersons. This was made possible only due to the combined efforts put in by the Modi government, the Sports Ministry, IOA and national federations. I had not made my international debut when India staged the CWG back in 2010 and for the players who will get a chance to compete and win medals in front of their home fans is the most memorable opportunity they can ask for. Last time also we clinched 100 medals in Delhi CWG and I am confident that we will produce similar performance in 2030,” Rupinder told SAI Media after leading a group of cyclists as part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
“Hockey and shooting was dropped from the Commonwealth Games fold since the Birmingham edition, where India has clinched a bagful of medals historically. So, I think those disciplines will make a return in 2030, which will motivate our players further. In all, it is such a pleasant news for all Indian sportspersons,” he added.
Rupinder emphasised the importance of daily fitness, urging citizens to dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour to physical activity to combat rising lifestyle-related diseases.
Tokas, who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, said hosting the 2030 Games would accelerate infrastructure development and inspire young athletes.
“It is very motivating for us athletes that Commonwealth Games are coming to India four years later. Playing in front of the home crowd and all of them cheering for you when you are competing, is an experience of a lifetime for any sportsperson. It’s a goose bump moment. Boxers have performed consistently well in the Commonwealth Games and I am sure we will put a better performance in 2030 in Gujarat. Also, when a country gets to host an event of this stature sports infrastructure gets developed as we saw during Delhi 2010 edition. That inspires more youngsters to take up sports,” Tokas told SAI Media.
Launched by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle promotes fitness, sustainable mobility and environmental awareness. The initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, reportedly engaging over 25 lakh participants across more than 2 lakh locations, per the media release.
