Odisha Minister for Sports and Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj participated in the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event held in Bhubaneswar, marking the grand conclusion of National Sports Day 2026 celebrations.
Suraj flagged off the rally from Ekamra Kanan Square. The route proceeded toward Utkal Hospital before looping back to the starting point.
The event capped a three-day celebration that began on August 28 to honour the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Built around the central call “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein”, the festival progressed through its core pillars—’Tribute’ on day one, ‘Play’ on day two, and culminating today with ‘Move’.
Braving heavy rain, state Sports Minister Suraj personally led the procession on a bicycle, setting an inspiring benchmark for fitness and active living. Participants joined in large numbers despite the adverse weather, demonstrating remarkable dedication to personal health.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ movement and further Chief Minister’s vision of “Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha”.
Addressing the gathering, Suraj emphasized a crucial shift in lifestyle habits for the youth. “We must prioritize playgrounds over play-stations and activity time over screen time,” he said.
The Minister also urged the younger generation to stay clear of substance abuse and doping, adopting sports as an integral part of their daily routine. The initiative served as a broader campaign to reduce screen dependency, curb vehicular fuel emissions in favour of green mobility, and promote regular cycling for personal wellness.
The event witnessed participation from senior dignitaries, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Sports & Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretaries Bijaya Kumar Swain and Sudhakar Nayak, alongside CISF Commandants Shri Rakesh Choudhary and Dhananjay Kumar.
Volunteers from MY Bharat, National Service Scheme (NSS), NDRAF, and members of the general public turned out in large numbers to support the campaign.
Initiated by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, alongside key partners including the Cycling Federation of India, Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, and MY Bharat.
The fitness drive is executed simultaneously across all states and Union Territories, spanning SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and localized Khelo India Centres.
Meanwhile in New Delhi, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the 88th edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ saw nationwide participation across more than 25,000 locations, reflecting cycling’s growing appeal.
