Over 5,000 Enthusiasts Joined Fit India- Sundays in West Bengal On World Bicycle Day

Kolkata : The Government of West Bengal took a dynamic stride towards promoting fitness and sports as Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik, spearheaded the World Bicycle Day 2026 celebrations at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium on Sunday. The event was held under the banner of Fit India – Sundays on Cycle and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 5,000 fitness enthusiasts.

The gathering was graced by eminent personalities including Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee, Honourable Cabinet Minister, former Team India cricketer Ashoke Dinda, AIFF President Kalyan Choubey, and Sibananda Mishra, Respected Regional Director of the Sports Authority of India, Netaji Subhas Eastern Center. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary, Department of Youth Services and Sports, along with other dignitaries such as Special Secretary Dinesh Chandra Mandal and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, were also present. The presence of Olympians Seema Biswas and Bombayla Devi added further prestige to the occasion.

Originating from an initiative launched by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, this year’s edition of Sundays on Cycle featured not only a mass cycling event but also a variety of recreational activities including yoga, rope skipping, darts, snake and ladder, and Zumba sessions.

Addressing the vibrant crowd, Minister Nisith Pramanik emphasized the importance of staying active and lauded the Prime Minister’s vision for a fit India. “Just 30 minutes of cycling daily can significantly improve health and reduce visits to doctors,” he said. The minister also linked the initiative to India’s aspirations for hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, underlining how fitness drives contribute to global sporting excellence.

Significant announcements were made to elevate the state’s sports ecosystem. Gold medalists at international events from West Bengal will now be rewarded with prize money of up to ₹8 crore, with silver and bronze winners receiving ₹7 crore and ₹6 crore respectively. Additionally, sportspersons will be offered government employment up to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, based on their educational qualifications.

Cabinet Minister Saraswat Mukherjee expressed optimism that the cycling movement will spark a renaissance for West Bengal in the national sports arena. He reiterated the government’s commitment to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a fit and healthy India through initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India.

The event also featured a lively fun sports zone where participants engaged in push-up challenges, ludo, jumping contests, and dart competitions. More than 250 National Cadet Corps cadets and contingents from several security forces and schools across the city participated, making the occasion memorable.

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