Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Smt. Raksha Khadse Lead BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Smt. Raksha Khadse Lead BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam Ministers & HoDs from BRICS countries join 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle प्रव तथ: 23 AUG 2026 3:04PM by PIB Delhi Visakhapatnam, August 23: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse today led a BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organised on the sidelines of the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India.

The Ministers & Head of Departments from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa participated in the cycling event, highlighting the spirit of friendship and cooperation among BRICS nations.

The theme of this week’s Fit India Sundays on Cycle was ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the Fit India Movement envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is steadily expanding across the country. “Today, youth have cycled as part of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at more than 18,000 locations across the country to spread the message of fitness. Cycling has many benefits — it is a great exercise, helps address traffic congestion and contributes to reducing pollution. Cycling also saves fuel and helps conserve foreign exchange. Therefore, let us all stay fit to build a developed India,” he said.The visiting dignitaries appreciated the nationwide scale of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative and congratulated Dr. Mandaviya for taking the cycling movement to communities across India.

Dr. Mandaviya further said that fitness is fundamental to building a healthy and prosperous society. “When an individual is fit, the society remains healthy, and a healthy society can build a prosperous nation. Modi ji has resolved to make India a developed nation. To fulfil this resolve, let us all keep ourselves fit by cycling every Sunday,” he said.

Celebrating BRICS friendship through Fit India’s #SundaysOnCycle amid the serene beauty of Visakhapatnam. pic.twitter.com/DikO4CiGn3 — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 23, 2026 The 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised across the country, including New Delhi, Leh, Kargil and Port Blair. Participants also took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth.

In New Delhi, a mega event was organised at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. More than 1,000 citizens participated in fitness activities beginning at 5:30 AM, including yoga, zumba and rope skipping, followed by a 5-km cycling ride around India Gate.

Pedalling towards fitness and unity 🚴🤝 Hon'ble Union Minister of YAS Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led BRICS delegates on # SundaysOnCycle in Visakhapatnam during the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers' Meeting.#BRICSIndia2026 #SportsTrack2026 pic.twitter.com/y4YojGb5yA — Dept of Sports, Govt of India (@IndiaSports) August 23, 2026Former Indian Handball team captain and coach Naveen Punia and zumba and dance choreographer Shivika Ashvine participated as special guests. A dedicated game zone featuring carrom, chess, badminton, tug of war and an obstacle race was also set up, engaging participants ranging from 5 to 85 years of age.

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, organised in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation and MY Bharat.

The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs).

**** Ayushman Kumar (रलीज़ आईडी: 2302481) आगंतुक पटल : 560 इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही , Gujarati , Tamil , Telugu