Fit India Sundays On Cycle Heads To Goa For Vijay Diwas Special; Legendary Footballers, Olympians Set To Grace Event

Fit India Sundays on Cycle heads to Goa for Vijay Diwas special; legendary footballers, Olympians se (Image Source: IANS)

Olympian Subedar Manish Kaushik: The scenic coastline of Goa will turn into a vibrant arena of fitness, patriotism, and community spirit, as the Fit India Sundays on Cycle hosts its mega edition in the state to mark Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to India’s armed forces.

The special edition will be held from Miramar Beach Circle to Dona Paula Circle, with the ride flagging off at 7 am. The event is a flagship event of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and is being organised in Goa in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports, Goa.

A press conference was held in Goa on Saturday and addressed jointly by Mayank Srivastav, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India, and Dr. Ajay Gaude, Secretary, Sports Authority of Goa, as a precursor to the mega event to be held on December 14.

Speaking at the press conference, Srivastav said, "Fit India Sundays on Cycle (SOC) will be a Fitness Carnival where people of Goa can participate in a plethora of activities such as zumba, yoga, rope skipping, besides Cycling. This is the 53rd edition of SOC, and already about 20 lakh citizens across the country have participated in the last year. We are very happy to bring this national event to Goa."

"Earlier, we used to have the mega event in Delhi, but on popular demand and also with an effort to promote fitness across the country, the event has now shifted out of the nodal event in New Delhi to other States and UTs. The first event hosted outside Delhi was in Varanasi, the second event is being hosted in Goa, which has the perfect scenic beauty, wide roads, and fresh air," he further added.

Speaking about Goa's participation in the event, Dr. Gaude said, "We are happy to collaborate with the Sports Ministry for this event that strives to improve the overall health of citizens. I would also like to announce that the Sports Authority of Goa is also starting a cycling club where common citizens can participate."

The Goa edition will be graced by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Sports Minister, Government of Goa, and Santosh Gunwantrao Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Goa. Several renowned sportspersons will also be present, including Olympian and World Championship gold medallist boxer Jaismine Lamboria, Olympian Subedar Manish Kaushik, Arjuna Awardee footballer Bruno Coutinho, and Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, one of Goa’s most iconic football legends.

Adding further inspiration, Maymol Rocky, the first-ever female head coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Football Team, will also join the ride. Renowned Telugu comedian Md. Ali and actor Manchu Manoj Kumar will also grace the Goa event to motivate citizens.

The Vijay Diwas theme will be strengthened by the presence of senior officers and units from the Army, Navy, and NCC, underscoring the deep connection between fitness, discipline, and national service. Fit India Champions and Ambassadors from the state will also take part, reinforcing the movement’s grassroots strength.

Adding further inspiration, Maymol Rocky, the first-ever female head coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Football Team, will also join the ride. Renowned Telugu comedian Md. Ali and actor Manchu Manoj Kumar will also grace the Goa event to motivate citizens.

With the backdrop of the Arabian Sea and the spirit of Vijay Diwas, the Goa edition promises to be a meaningful celebration of fitness, freedom, and the sacrifices of India’s armed forces, inviting citizens to pedal not just for health, but also for honour and unity.

Article Source: IANS