Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya marks World Bicycle Day 2026 with Cycling Ride at JLN Stadium

Smt. Raksha Khadse also graces event at the Sports Authority of India ahead of mega Fit India Sundays on Cycle event on June 7

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today marked World Bicycle Day 2026 by cycling alongside around 30 officers and staff members of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. 

Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse also graced the occasion. Participants who joined the commemorative ride completed a full lap of the stadium, reinforcing the message of fitness, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Addressing citizens through a special World Bicycle Day message, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated that cycling is far more than a recreational activity. “Cycling is not merely an exercise or a hobby; it is a symbol of a healthy and empowered lifestyle. It should become a daily habit because it keeps us fit, protects the environment, reduces pollution and contributes to building a Fit, Healthy and Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Observed globally on June 3, this year’s World Bicycle Day carries the theme “Cycling for a Greener Future”, highlighting the bicycle’s role in reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change and promoting healthy, sustainable mobility. The occasion resonated strongly with the vision championed by Dr. Mandaviya through the Fit India Movement and the rapidly growing Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign.

The Hon’ble Minister also noted that greater use of bicycles can help reduce dependence on petrol and diesel-powered vehicles while contributing to cleaner air and a healthier population. “In today’s era of global challenges, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has repeatedly urged citizens to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. In this context, cycling emerges as an effective and positive solution,” the Hon’ble Minister said.

The momentum generated on World Bicycle Day today will continue this Sunday; a special nationwide edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle will be organised across the country to commemorate the occasion on a larger scale, bringing together cyclists, athletes, youth volunteers and fitness enthusiasts across multiple locations. “The upcoming edition of Sundays on Cycle, to be held across the country this Sunday, will be dedicated to World Bicycle Day. I appeal to all young people to participate wholeheartedly, register themselves on the Fit India App, and encourage their friends and family members to join as well,” Dr. Mandaviya added.

Meanwhile, India is also preparing to host one of the biggest global celebrations of another indigenous fitness discipline. The World Yogasana Sport Championship 2026 will begin tomorrow at the Eka Arena in Ahmedabad, bringing together more than 500 athletes from over 70 countries from June 4 to 8.

The championship represents another major milestone in India’s efforts to promote fitness as a way of life on the global stage. Much like Sundays on Cycle, Yogasana promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline and community participation, reflecting the broader objectives of the Fit India Movement. The growing international participation in Yogasana also strengthens India’s long-term aspiration of securing wider global recognition for the sport and advancing its case for inclusion in future multi-sport events, including the Olympic Movement.