The 53rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was celebrated with great enthusiasm along the scenic Konkan coast of Goa and was dedicated to Vijay Diwas with the armed forces as special partners. For the first time, the mega cycling initiative moved beyond the national capital on such a large scale, marking a significant milestone in the nationwide expansion of the Fit India Movement. The vibrant setting of Goa added fresh energy to the campaign and reinforced its vision of transforming fitness into a mass movement across the country.
The cycling rally was flagged off from Miramar Beach Circle and proceeded to Dona Paula before returning, offering participants a memorable experience that combined physical activity with the natural beauty of Goa. The event site buzzed with excitement as citizens participated in yoga sessions, energetic Zumba performances and enjoyed live Goan music. The festive atmosphere underlined the message that fitness can be enjoyable, inclusive and sustainable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The event was graced by Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Honble Sports Minister of Goa, along with senior officials including Shri Santosh Gunwantrao Sukhadeve IAS, Secretary Sports, Government of Goa. The gathering also saw the presence of eminent actors, athletes, defence personnel, NCC cadets and Fit India Ambassadors, adding national prominence to the initiative.
Addressing the audience, Dr Ramesh Tawadkar shared his personal journey of more than two decades as a physical education teacher and a cycling enthusiast. He highlighted the importance of developing a strong sports culture and drew parallels with several European nations where cycling is a regular mode of daily transport. He emphasized that India too can adopt such habits and noted that when crores of citizens come together, a lasting shift towards a fitter lifestyle becomes possible. He also echoed the vision of the Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, calling for Sundays on Cycle to become a regular weekly activity across Goa.
The event was further energised by the participation of well known personalities including Telugu film actor Shri Manchu Manoj Kumar, actor Mohammed Ali, Subedar Manish Kaushik, Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar and former Indian women’s football team head coach Maymol Rocky. Actor Mohammed Ali expressed his joy at seeing people from all walks of life unite for fitness, while Manchu Manoj Kumar spoke about the role of discipline and consistency in maintaining good health and praised the Fit India Movement for inspiring the youth.
With strong participation from armed forces personnel, NCC units, fitness influencers and citizens, the 53rd edition in Goa stood as a powerful example of how leadership, community spirit and collective action can drive a healthier nation. The initiative continues to be supported by Yogasana Bharat and My Bharat as regular partners, strengthening the shared commitment to fitness and wellbeing across India.