- World Mental Health Day special: 94th Fit India-Sundays on Cycle brings fitness enthusiasts, youth and sports personalities together in Naranpura
- ‘Pedal for a Healthier Mind’: Cycling rally promotes the powerful connection between physical activity and emotional well-being
- Kabaddi champions lead by example: Naveen Kumar, Surjeet, Shivam Anil Patate and Ajit Chouhan urge young people to embrace fitness and discipline
- ‘It’s OK to Talk’: ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ message encourages open conversations and greater awareness of mental health
- From cycling to Garba: Zumba, physical training and interactive games turn the morning into a celebration of healthy living
NE SPORTS & HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 11
What if the road to a healthier mind began with a bicycle ride, an honest conversation and the courage to seek support? Ahmedabad’s sporting spirit took on a deeper purpose on Sunday as the 94th edition of Fit India-Sundays on Cycle brought together cyclists, young people, kabaddi champions and fitness enthusiasts to spotlight a message that matters as much as physical strength: mental well-being deserves daily attention.
Held at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura to mark World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, the event carried the theme ‘Pedal for a Healthier Mind’ and was organised in partnership with Heartfulness. The initiative combined a cycling rally with fitness activities and an appeal to make mental health conversations more open and accessible.
The messages “It’s OK to Talk” and “Be Kind to Your Mind” formed the emotional core of the programme, underscoring the importance of breaking the silence around mental health and recognising the connection between an active body and a healthier mind.
Kabaddi champions put mental wellness in the spotlight
The event brought together prominent kabaddi champions Naveen Kumar, Surjeet, Shivam Anil Patate and Ajit Chouhan, whose presence helped connect the fitness campaign with the discipline and resilience associated with competitive sport.
Naveen Kumar emphasised that mental peace is as important as physical fitness in today’s fast-paced life. He welcomed the participation of young people in the campaign, noting that sports and cycling can help keep both the body and mind refreshed.
Surjeet commended the Fit India movement for helping take fitness to the masses. He said initiatives linked to World Mental Health Day could provide positive direction to young people and encouraged everyone to incorporate daily physical activity or cycling into their routines.
Shivam Anil Patate observed that the participation of citizens and students in cycling and interactive activities reflected the growing place of fitness in everyday culture. Such engagement, he noted, was important for overall mental well-being.
Ajit Chouhan highlighted the role of sports and fitness in shaping personality and character. He said initiatives of this kind could inspire younger generations to embrace discipline and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Together, the athletes reinforced a message extending beyond the playing field: caring for mental well-being and maintaining physical fitness should be complementary parts of a balanced life.
Brahma Kumari Sisters flag off cycling rally
The programme was attended by Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI); Prashant Singh, Regional Director, SAI Regional Centre, Gandhinagar; and Aditi Singh, Director, National Centre of Excellence, Ahmedabad, SAI.
The dignitaries felicitated the kabaddi champions during the event. Sisters from the Brahma Kumaris also participated and flagged off the cycling rally before being felicitated with mementos by Mayank Srivastava and Aditi Singh.
Their participation added a spiritual dimension to the campaign’s emphasis on mental peace, positive thinking and healthy living.
From early-morning fitness to cycling and garba
The programme began at 6 am with Fit India audiovisual presentations, the campaign jingle and the Sundays on Cycle anthem, followed by energetic Zumba and physical-training sessions.
After the felicitation ceremony, the Brahma Kumari sisters flagged off the rally from the Fit India Zone at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. Cyclists followed the designated route before returning to the venue for a cool-down session featuring Zumba and Garba.
An interactive game zone offered participants additional opportunities to engage in physical activity and enjoy the morning’s community atmosphere. High tea and refreshments brought the programme to a close.
By combining cycling, exercise, games and traditional dance, the event demonstrated how fitness campaigns can make physical activity accessible, enjoyable and socially engaging for people of different age groups.
Fit India’s larger message: Make fitness a way of life
Fit India-Sundays on Cycle was launched by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024. The initiative is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India and Fit India, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India and other partners.
The Ahmedabad edition extended the campaign’s focus from physical activity to the wider conversation around mental wellness, encouraging citizens to view exercise not merely as a sporting pursuit but as a regular part of everyday life.
The event’s central message was simple yet significant: fitness is not only about endurance, speed or medals. It is also about building healthy routines, strengthening social connections and creating an environment in which people feel encouraged to discuss mental health without stigma.
As Ahmedabad’s cyclists returned to the sports complex, the campaign left behind a message worth carrying far beyond the finish line: pedal for physical fitness, make time for mental peace and remember that asking for support is a sign of strength.