The cycling event was flagged off early in the morning by Assam Sports Minister Shrimati Nandita Garlosa, with around 400 participants riding a six-kilometre route along NH-27 and around the Sarusajai Stadium, now renamed the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSuch (fitness) events championed by PM Modi and wholeheartedly promoted by Union sports minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya are just appropriate to meet our dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It\u2019s good to see the youth of Assam coming forward on a Sunday morning and taking part in a cycling event. These are encouraging signs,\u201d said Shrimati Garlosa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The cyclists were led by 2012 London Olympians Jayant Talukdar (archery) and Bharat Chetri (hockey), along with former boxing world champion Sarita Devi, Indian women\u2019s football captain Ashalata Devi, and Dronacharya boxing coach Sandhya Gurung. Fit India brand ambassadors Bibhu Moni Singha, Nisha Kumari, Divya Ahuja and Shyamantak Ganguly also joined the rally.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The sports complex buzzed with energy as yoga and dance performances added a festive touch to the morning. Personnel from the ITBP, BSF, and CRPF cheered participants on, while popular Hindi music kept spirits high. A special kudo demonstration \u2014 a Japanese martial art \u2014 by 32 athletes from Assam\u2019s Sivasagar district further enriched the celebrations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chetri, who led the Indian hockey team at the 2012 London Olympics, praised the initiative, which marked its 60th edition and was celebrated across the country. \u201cWhich platform in the world promotes fitness this way? The government cannot go to everyone\u2019s home and bring them out to work on their physical fitness. This is a marvellous nationwide platform to raise awareness for all age-groups. Now it is up to us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The government is certainly doing its bit,\u201d said Chetri, who runs a hockey academy in Kalimpong, West Bengal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sharing similar views, Gangtok-based Dronacharya boxing coach Gurung said, \u201cFitness and cleanliness are habits inculcated by individuals. \u2018Sundays on Cycle\u2019 is just a vehicle to promote better life and health. This is a nationwide drive like so many other projects for the betterment of the society at large.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chetri, who led the Indian hockey team at the 2012 London Olympics, praised the initiative, which marked its 60th edition and was celebrated across the country. \u201cWhich platform in the world promotes fitness this way? The government cannot go to everyone\u2019s home and bring them out to work on their physical fitness. This is a marvellous nationwide platform to raise awareness for all age-groups. Now it is up to us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The government is certainly doing its bit,\u201d said Chetri, who runs a hockey academy in Kalimpong, West Bengal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Overall, the event blended fitness, celebration and community spirit, making it a truly memorable Sunday in Guwahati.<\/p>\r\n\r\n