New Delhi: Delhiites geared up as the Inner Circle of Connaught Place came alive on Sunday morning. Cyclists of all ages gathered for the ‘Sunday on Cycle’ event under the Fit India Movement. The morning drizzle failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants, who turned up in large numbers.The ride celebrated fitness and community spirit, highlighting cycling as a simple, yet effective, way to stay active. While many participants rode their cycles on rain-soaked roads, others joined activities such as Zumba, underscoring the importance of regular physical activity and good health. Delhi’s minister for education and sports, Ashish Sood, also cycled with the participants.He said govt is also considering developing cycling lanes and other infrastructure.The ‘Sundays on Cycles’ campaign was organised at more than 2.5 lakh locations across the country. About 2.7 million cyclists participated.“Promoting the culture of cycling will not only improve personal health but will contribute significantly to environmental protection,” Sood said.The programme was organised with the support of Sports Authority of India, Raahgiri Foundation and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The objective of the event was to promote the importance of regular physical activity and encourage cycling as a simple and effective way to maintain fitness and good health.Addressing participants at the programme, Sood said that “Sundays on Cycles” has the potential to become a people’s movement that will not only inspire citizens to stay fit but also contribute to making the city environmentally healthier. “It is essential that balanced physical activity becomes an integral part of our daily fitness routine and that awareness about the importance of regular exercise and sports continues to grow,” the minister said.Promoting cycling in place that mostly has petrol-driven vehicles, he said, can significantly help reduce pollution and improve environmental conditions in the city.Representatives from I4C also spoke on awareness among the public regarding cyber crimes.The minister also acknowledged the important role played by the Raahgiri Foundation in making the programme successful.Sood honoured several participants with mementos, including Arjuna Awardee Antim Panghal; Neelam, gold medallist at the 2023 U-23 Asian Wrestling Championship; Priya Malik, U-20 World Champion in women’s freestyle wrestling (76 kg); Virender Dahiya, head coach of the Indian women’s wrestling team; and Bharti, coach of the Indian women’s wrestling team.
