Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand grace event attended by over 1000 citizens at Gachibowli Stadium
HYDERABAD, JANUARY 18, 2026: The 57th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle on January 18 in Hyderabad, organised by the Union Sports Ministry in association with Sports Authority of India, unfolded into a fitness carnival, blending sport, culture and community into one unforgettable spectacle.
Launched in December 2024 under the guidance of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a nationwide ‘jan andolan’, recording participation of over 22 lakh citizens across more than 2 lakh locations. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz’ and addresses twin national priorities of fighting obesity and promoting sustainable, low-carbon lifestyles.
The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries and sporting icons, including Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana Shiva Sena Reddy, badminton legend, Dronacharya Awardee Pullela Gopichand, Arjuna Award-winning shooter Esha Singh and Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevanji. M. Ramesh Reddy, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad City, as well as several other athletes, Fit India Ambassadors, Champions and cycling leaders from Hyderabad, were felicitated for their contribution to spreading the fitness message.
“I just came here to cycle, but I’m surprised to witness a fitness carnival here,” said Anusha Reddy, a resident of Kondapur who had come to participate in the event, visibly impressed. “Yoga, Zumba, martial arts, music, and more, it feels like Hyderabad has come together as one big family for fitness.” Like Anusha, over 1000 citizens took part in the event at Gachibowli, equally vibing across fun fitness activities like Zumba, Rope Skipping, Yoga, as well as feasting their eyes across Kudo martial arts and Mallakhamb performances.
Speaking on the occasion, G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the importance of integrating fitness into daily life, noting how initiatives like Sundays on Cycle reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a healthier and more active society.
“A Healthy India is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ultimate goal, and through the Fit India Mission, we are working to reverse the health issues caused by modern lifestyles. Today, changes in our diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental factors are leading to rising obesity and mental stress. To combat this, the Prime Minister has even called on citizens to reduce cooking oil consumption. We must remember that while technology has made life easier, it has reduced the physical labor that kept previous generations healthy; we must consciously reintegrate movement into our daily lives,” Kishan Reddy mentioned.
He further emphasized: “Our country’s greatest strength is its youth, and a Healthy India can only be built if our young people are fit. Only a strong and healthy youth force can effectively serve the nation and drive our development. The intellect and energy of a healthy younger generation plays a pivotal role in our country’s progress, and it is through their health that we will ensure a prosperous future for India.”
Pullela Gopichand, meanwhile, emphasised the role of consistent physical activity in building both sporting excellence and disciplined lifestyles. “It’s really wonderful to be part of this event, to see the enthusiasm, and to see different sets of people in different cities being enthused by it. I think it is truly a testimony to the work and vision of our Prime Minister and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya ji, for whom I believe we all have to be grateful for this initiative,” Gopichand said.
“This requires a lot of work, and to consistently carry it forward for 57 weeks till now, over 2 lakh locations, promoting it with over 22 lakh people participating. I think it’s important that if we all work together, there is a possibility that this sport of cycling will not only get better but also contribute to individual growth,” he added.
As a part of the event, Paralympian Deepthi Jeevan and shooter Esha Singh flagged off the event. Hundreds of cyclists pedalled together along the designated route, cheered on by music performances and fellow participants, before returning to the venue where Zumba cooldown sessions, cultural acts and interactive zones continued to buzz with activity.
FIT India Movement was launched on 29th August, 2019, by the Prime Minister with a view to making fitness an integral part of our daily lives. The mission of the Movement is to bring about behavioural changes and move towards a more physically active lifestyle.
During the event, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India, IPS Mayank Srivastava felicitated Fit India Influencers and Ambassadors, including Deepika Chalasani, Aniket Singh, Chandana Jayaram, Kenisha Shrivas and Eshwar Bolegar. State Cycling Champions Ravi Sambari (State Cycling Champion), Santhana Selvan (FIT India Cycling Advisory Committee Member and Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad) and Star Cycling Clubs of Hyderabad were also felicitated.
Over 1000s of citizens, from children, youth, senior citizens, athletes and families, came together to pedal, stretch, dance and celebrate movement. Local participants echoed the sentiment that the initiative felt transformative. “There were game zones for kids, yoga for elders, music for everyone. It made fitness look so joyful,” said Lakshmi, a homemaker from Jubilee Hills, who joined the event with her neighbours.
The Hyderabad edition also highlighted the city’s emergence as a national hub for sports and wellness, with the serene association of the Heartfulness Institute adding a deeper dimension of mindfulness and balance.
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