In her address on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, said that the event aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi\u2019s vision of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, and reflects the nation\u2019s growing commitment to sports-led development and sports tourism.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUnder the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, initiatives like Sundays on Cycle, being held every week at over 5,000 locations with the participation of nearly 5 lakh cyclists, are transforming \u2018Fit India\u2019 into a nationwide people\u2019s movement,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smt. Khadse also appreciated the efforts of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for spearheading and expanding the \u2018Sundays on Cycle\u2019 movement across the country, inspiring people from all walks of life to adopt cycling as a way of fitness, sustainability, and community bonding.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Pune Grand Tour 2026 stands as a model of how sports can drive both tourism and wellness. Sports science is also emerging as a vital field for athlete performance enhancement, and such events will further strengthen our sporting ecosystem,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, stated that the Pune Grand Tour will highlight Pune\u2019s historic, cultural, religious, and tourism landmarks, boosting both domestic and international tourism while revitalising the city\u2019s traditional identity as the \u201cCity of Cycles.\u201d He said the event will contribute to Maharashtra\u2019s economy, promote healthy living, and help tackle pollution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPune has always been the home of cycling, and this event will further strengthen that legacy. The \u2018Pune Grand Tour\u2019 will put the city on the global map of professional cycling, inspiring fitness and environmental awareness across India,\u201d the Chief Minister said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, Asian Cycling Confederation President Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Cycling Federation of India Secretary General Dato Maninder Pal Singh, and former Asian Cycling Confederation Secretary General Onkar Singh were also present.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar presented the concept and detailed preparations for the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The dignitaries unveiled the official logo and jersey of the Pune Grand Tour 2026. The mascot, named Indu, is inspired by the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel found in the forests of Bhimashankar, symbolising agility, resilience, and ecological balance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chief Minister Fadnavis also felicitated veteran 77-year-old cyclist Nirupama Bhave, along with Preeti Mhaske, Praniti Soman (Ahmednagar), Bharat Sonawane (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Akash Mhetre (Jalgaon), and Pooja Danole (Solapur) for their achievements in cycling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prominent attendees included MLAs Amit Gorakhe, Rahul Kul, Siddharth Shirole, Babaji Kale, and Shankar Mandekar, along with senior officials Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, PCMC Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, and Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Smt. Sheetal Teli-Ugale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and CEO Zilla Parishad Gajanan Patil.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Pune Grand Tour 2026, India\u2019s first-ever Pro Stage Elite Race for Men - a UCI 2.2 international cycling event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prominent attendees included MLAs Amit Gorakhe, Rahul Kul, Siddharth Shirole, Babaji Kale, and Shankar Mandekar, along with senior officials Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, PCMC Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, and Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Smt. Sheetal Teli-Ugale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and CEO Zilla Parishad Gajanan Patil.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Classified as an elite event in UCI\u2019s annual calendar, the Pune Grand Tour is pegged as India\u2019s groundbreaking move into the global stage, combining with athletes\u2019 grit, glory, and passion for a world-class competition. Racing through the vast topography of 437 kms, Pune Grand Tour will be Maharashtra\u2019s showcase event \u2013 displaying a dynamic mix of Pune District\u2019s urban stretches, hilly terrain, and rural landscapes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n