Fit India Sundays on Cycle: Mandaviya Leads Anti-Drug Oath, Over 1,000 Join Delhi Ride

August 9, 2026

New Delhi: Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led the nationwide 85th edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’, with the event centred on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ and the message, ‘Say yes to fitness, Say NO to drugs.’

The nationwide fitness drive was organised under the Fit India Movement and placed India’s youth at the centre of the campaign against substance abuse. Participants took a collective oath to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The main nationwide event was held at Hanol in Gujarat, while a major programme was organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.

Mandaviya Leads Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge

Calling Sundays on Cycle a mass movement, Mandaviya said the initiative had evolved into a major platform supporting the Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement.

“I am delighted that the initiative has evolved into a major movement to advance the Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement. Young people across more than 10,000 locations nationwide have conveyed the message through cycling,” Mandaviya said.

The Sundays on Cycle initiative was launched by Mandaviya in December 2024. Since its launch, more than 30 lakh people have participated in cycling events across the country.

In Delhi, more than 1,000 participants took part in the collective ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ or ‘Drug Free India’ pledge. They pledged to lead lives free from substance abuse and encourage their families, friends and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Delhi Participants Take Part in 5-km Cycling Ride

The fitness activities at the Delhi venue began early Sunday morning, with more than 1,000 citizens arriving by 5:30 a.m. for activities including yoga and Zumba.

Participants later took part in a 5-km cycling ride around India Gate and Kartavya Path.

A dedicated game zone featuring carrom, chess, ludo and badminton was also set up. Other activities included tug of war and an obstacle race.

The event was attended by actor and model Siddharth Nigam, international squash player and Junior National Champion Gurveer Singh, IRS officer and Fit India Ambassador Narendra Kumar, and Fit India Champion and Zumba instructor Meenal Pathak.

After completing the cycling ride, Siddharth Nigam urged people to stay away from drugs, cigarettes and alcohol and dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to fitness.

“Fitness ka dose, aadhe ghante roz,” Nigam said, emphasising the importance of making physical activity part of daily life.

Gurveer Singh also praised the Fit India and Nasha Mukt Bharat initiatives for encouraging young people to choose fitness over addiction. He urged everyone to spend at least 30 minutes every day on physical activity.

He also praised India’s 39-medal performance at the Commonwealth Games, saying the country’s athletes had made the nation proud.

Fit India Cycling Drive Held Across India

‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat.

The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across states and Union Territories, including at Sports Authority of India Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.

Thousands of Namo Fit India clubs, schools, colleges and cycling groups also participate in the nationwide fitness initiative.

The latest edition combined the message of physical fitness with the government’s wider Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, encouraging young Indians to choose an active lifestyle and stay away from substance abuse.