Sportsnet News NEW DELHI, May 3, 2026 – The Fit India movement reached a significant milestone this weekend as the 72nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle transitioned into a massive tribute to India’s farmers. The “Annadata Fitness Ride,” inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw a massive turnout of agricultural stakeholders, students, and urban citizens across the country, bridging the gap between rural sustainability and urban health.
Promoting Fitness Through Rope Skipping and Cycling
While cycling took center stage, the Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF) played a pivotal role in the morning’s high-energy atmosphere. For over a year, the IRSF has been an integral partner of the Fit India movement, consistently engaging the public during the Sunday events.
In New Delhi, the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex was transformed into a multi-sport hub. Beyond the cycle tracks, the Fit India initiative highlighted rope skipping as a foundational, accessible exercise. The IRSF has been instrumental in promoting rope skipping across India, teaching citizens that fitness doesn’t require expensive equipment—just a rope and the will to stay active.
“Our collaboration with the Indian Rope Skipping Federation has helped make the Fit India movement a true Jan Andolan,” noted a representative from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. “By integrating rope skipping and cycling, we are reaching every household in India.”
A Nationwide “Annadata” Tribute
The 72nd edition wasn’t limited to the capital. From Bikaner to Gwalior and Haryana to Ludhiana, the “Annadata” theme resonated as a celebration of those who feed the nation.
- Hisar, Haryana: At Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, farmers and students rode together to integrate physical activity into the agricultural lifestyle.
- Gwalior, MP: Students from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) led a rally focusing on environmental conservation.
- Bikaner & Ludhiana: Regional hubs saw agricultural scientists and local youth participating in synchronized fitness drills and cycling tours.
Stakeholders Emphasize Inclusivity
The Delhi event featured prominent figures including Ms. Anissa Nabi Jikas (Chief Sports Officer, J&K Sports Council), Shri Krishna Kumar (Bhartiya Kisan Sangh), and Shri Vikram Singh Farswan (Agrivision Bharat).
Anissa Nabi, a prominent Fit India Ambassador, highlighted that activities like cycling and rope skipping are vital because they are inclusive across all age groups. Krishna Kumar added that since cycling is already a staple in village life, formalizing it through the Fit India movement helps boost health awareness in rural belts.
The Growth of a Movement: 28 Lakh Participants
Since its launch in December 2024 by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has seen staggering growth. To date, over 28 lakh citizens have participated across 2.63 lakh locations nationwide.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving:
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)
- Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF)
- Cycling Federation of India (CFI)
- Yogasana Bharat and Raahgiri Foundation
By combining the endurance of cycling with the agility of rope skipping, the 72nd edition of Fit India has successfully reinforced the connection between the health of the citizens and the sustainability of the environment. Whether on a farm in Punjab or a street in Delhi, the message remains clear: a fit India is a strong India.
Editor’s Note
While cycling provides the momentum for “Sundays on Cycle,” the Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF) has been the silent engine driving grassroots engagement within the Fit India movement for over a year. Unlike many traditional sports, the IRSF has successfully localized the Prime Minister’s fitness vision by introducingRope Skipping—a sport that requires zero infrastructure but offers maximum cardiovascular benefits—to schools and rural blocks alike. This 72nd edition highlights how the IRSF’s consistent presence has transformed a weekly event into a sustainable lifestyle habit for millions of Indians.
