India’s sporting ambitions received a renewed boost as leading athletes welcomed the country’s successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, even as the 62nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was conducted at more than 1000 locations across the country.
Underscoring India’s growing stature as a global sporting destination and its aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games, the nationwide cycling drive was organised in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, marking 75 years of its service and social security initiatives.
Olympic bronze medallist Rupinder Pal Singh and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Rohit Tokas hailed the development as a defining moment for Indian sport. Rupinder Pal Singh, part of the Indian hockey team that secured a historic Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 after a gap of 40 years, described the award of the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a collective achievement made possible through sustained efforts by the Government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations.
He said the Games returning to India after 20 years is a major milestone for athletes across disciplines. Reflecting on the 2010 Delhi edition, where India won 100 medals, he expressed confidence that the country would replicate or surpass that performance in 2030. He noted that competing before home supporters is a rare and deeply motivating experience for athletes and said the upcoming Games would inspire a new generation.
Rupinder Pal Singh also pointed out that hockey and shooting were not part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games programme, but expressed hope that these disciplines would return in 2030, further energising Indian medal prospects. He described the hosting rights as an important step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India staging the Summer Olympics in 2036.
The cycling event at Indira Gandhi Stadium witnessed participation from more than 500 cyclists. Rupinder Pal Singh was joined by Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Khelo India, and Fit India champions Tanvee Tutlani and Atul Jindal.
Emphasising the importance of daily physical activity, Rupinder Pal Singh urged citizens to dedicate at least 30 minutes to one hour each day to fitness, particularly in light of rising lifestyle related diseases. He commended Employees’ State Insurance Corporation for completing 75 years of service and called upon citizens to integrate fitness into their daily routines.
Rohit Tokas, who won bronze in boxing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, said hosting the 2030 Games would accelerate infrastructure development and inspire youth participation in sport. He described competing before a home crowd as a once in a lifetime experience and expressed confidence that Indian boxers would deliver an even stronger performance in 2030, including in Gujarat where events are expected to be staged.
Rohit Tokas also praised the atmosphere at Fit India Sundays on Cycle, highlighting the enthusiasm of participants engaged in cycling, yoga, Zumba and rope skipping. He encouraged citizens to adopt the discipline of athletes and make fitness an integral part of their lives, even if through simple home based activities.
Launched in December 2024 by Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle promotes fitness, environmental awareness and sustainable mobility. The initiative has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement, with participation exceeding 25 lakh citizens across more than two lakh locations.
The programme is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, the Ropeskipping team and MY Bharat. Events are conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.
The convergence of a successful international sporting bid and a nationwide fitness campaign reflects a broader policy push to elevate India’s sporting ecosystem. With improved infrastructure, rising public participation and strong institutional backing, India is positioning itself as both a global host and a sporting nation committed to mass fitness and competitive excellence.
