Guwahati, February 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for a ‘Fit India’ received overwhelming support during the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event held at the Sarusajai Stadium complex on Sunday. The event featured several renowned Olympians and celebrated athletes.
Two Olympians, a former world champion boxer, a prominent Indian female footballer, and a women’s boxing coach participated in the program. They all conveyed the message that there is no substitute for physical and mental fitness.
The cycling event was flagged off by Assam’s Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa, with nearly 400 participants cycling along a six-kilometer route around NH-27 and the Sarusajai Stadium (Arjun Bhogeshwar Baruah Sports Complex).
Nandita Garlosa stated, “Events like these, initiated by PM Modi and wholeheartedly promoted by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, are perfect for realizing our dream of a developed India by 2047. It was heartening to see the youth of Assam come out and participate in the cycling event on Sunday morning. These are positive signs.”
The rally was led by 2012 London Olympians Jayant Talukdar (archery) and Bharat Chhetri (hockey). They were joined by former boxing world champion Sarita Devi, Indian women’s football captain Ashalata Devi, and Dronacharya boxing coach Sandhya Gurung. Fit India brand ambassadors Bibhu Moni Singha, Nisha Kumari, Divya Ahuja, and Shyamantak Ganguly also participated in the rally.
The atmosphere at the sports complex was filled with excitement. Yoga and dance performances added a festive touch to the morning. ITBP, BSF, and CRPF personnel encouraged the participants. Additionally, 32 athletes from Assam’s Sivasagar district showcased a special demonstration of Kudo, a Japanese martial art, making the celebration even more special.
Chhetri, who captained the Indian hockey team at the 2012 London Olympics, praised the initiative. He remarked, “Which platform in the world promotes fitness like this? The government cannot go door-to-door to bring people out for physical fitness. This is a fantastic nationwide platform to raise awareness among people of all ages. Now it is up to us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The government is certainly doing its part.”
Boxing coach Gurung emphasized, “Fitness and cleanliness are habits that people adopt themselves. ‘Sundays on Cycle’ is just one way to promote better living and health. It is a nationwide campaign for the welfare of society, like many other projects.”
Ashalata, a prominent figure in Indian women’s football with a record of 100 international matches, expressed her happiness at seeing such a large turnout.
Ashalata said, “It was great to see so many young people take time out to cycle on Sunday. At least parents are beginning to understand that life is more than just tuition for becoming a doctor or engineer.”