Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 23rd August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary
On August 23, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, featuring a BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam. Held alongside the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting, the event aimed to promote the ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ theme and foster international cooperation. Key actions involve encouraging citizens to cycle weekly to support national fitness, environmental sustainability, and economic conservation.
Key Points / Main Content
Event Overview and Leadership
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse led the main event in Visakhapatnam.
The event was attended by Ministers and Heads of Departments from BRICS nations, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran, and South Africa.
The initiative highlighted the spirit of friendship and cooperation among the participating nations.
National Reach and Scale
The cycling drive occurred simultaneously at more than 18,000 locations across India, including New Delhi, Leh, Kargil, and Port Blair.
Activities were conducted across all States and Union Territories at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres.
Participants ranged from 5 to 85 years of age, demonstrating the movement's community-wide expansion.
Core Objectives and Benefits
Fitness: Promoted as fundamental to building a healthy, prosperous, and developed nation.
Environment: Cycling was advocated to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Economy: The initiative emphasized fuel savings and the conservation of foreign exchange.
Social Awareness: Participants took the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ pledge to combat substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.
Collaborative Framework
The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat.
New Delhi’s mega event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium included diverse activities such as yoga, zumba, rope skipping, and a 5-km cycle ride.
Impact Analysis
BRICS Delegates (Ministers and HoDs)Impact
Participating officials experienced firsthand India's large-scale community fitness movement, strengthening diplomatic and sporting ties between member nations.
Action Required
Participate in the ongoing BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India to further cooperation.
Indian Youth and General PublicImpact
Citizens are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles and become active contributors to the ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ and ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ initiatives.
Action Required
Commit to cycling every Sunday to maintain personal fitness and contribute to national development goals.
Implementing Agencies (CFI, SAI, MY Bharat)Impact
These organizations are responsible for the logistical success of simultaneous nationwide events and the management of dedicated game zones.
Action Required
Continue to facilitate and expand cycling drives and fitness activities across regional centers and excellence hubs to sustain the movement’s momentum.
Key Entities Referenced
Fit India Sundays on Cycle: A nationwide cycling initiative aimed at promoting physical fitness, reducing traffic congestion, and environmental conservation through community participation.
Fit India Movement: The overarching national campaign envisioned to encourage citizens to incorporate physical activity and sports into their daily routines for a healthy society.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: The primary government body responsible for organizing the 87th edition of the cycling event and hosting the international BRICS ministerial gathering.
BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting: An international diplomatic forum hosted by India where member nations collaborate on youth development and sports-related cooperation.
Visakhapatnam: The central location in Andhra Pradesh that served as the primary venue for the lead cycling event and the associated BRICS ministerial meetings.
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).
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Ayushman Kumar
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