The campus of the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Bhopal came alive with energy and enthusiasm as it became the venue for the 56th edition of Fit India Sunday on Cycle. The early morning event saw a massive turnout, with more than 1,200 people of all ages participating in a vibrant cycling rally and a host of fitness activities.
A Morning of Fitness and Community Spirit
As the sun was yet to rise, the MANIT grounds buzzed with activity. Participants engaged in Zumba sessions, rope skipping, yoga, and various interactive games. The event truly was a family affair, with children joining alongside their parents, while seniors found their rhythm in dedicated stretching sessions. The atmosphere was electric, punctuated by flashing phone lights, cheerful selfies, upbeat music, and collective cheers, all captured by enthusiastic students on their devices.
Star-Studded Performances and Sporting Icons
The event's highlights were diverse and captivating. A major attraction was a stunning mallakhamb performance by young artistes from the Abujhmarh forests of Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh, who have gained fame as stars of India's Got Talent. The audience was also treated to dynamic Kudo combat demonstrations and yoga sessions led by Yogasana Bharat, alongside engaging game zones.
The rally was graced by several sporting personalities who lent their support to the cause. Notable attendees included:
- Cricketer Aniket Umashankar Verma
- Junior hockey international Abdul Ahad
- Footballer Vishal Joon
- Canoe sprinter Jaspreet Singh
- Judokas Shraddha Kadubal Chopade and Yash Ganghas
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winner Yogita Mandavi
Driving the Nation Towards an Active Lifestyle
Actress and attendee Payal Rohatgi emphasized the importance of the initiative. She stated that the Union Sports Ministry's Fit India movement is successfully building massive fitness awareness across the country. Rohatgi added that if the population adopts healthier lifestyles, India will nurture more future Olympians. She also praised the Prime Minister's personal example, noting that PM Narendra Modi urging ministers to cycle sets an incredible precedent for children and future generations.
The Fit India Movement was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29, 2019, with the core objective of encouraging a behavioral shift towards more active and healthy lifestyles. Organizers of the Bhopal event highlighted that this edition successfully underscored cycling and community fitness as accessible and sustainable approaches to public health.
The cycling rally was officially flagged off by Madhya Pradesh Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vishwas Kailash Sarang. He was joined by actress Payal Rohatgi, Olympian judoka Garima Choudhary, Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India IPS Mayank Srivastava, and Regional Director SAI RC and NCOE Bhopal, Abhishek Chauhan, marking a unified push for a fitter India.
