Fit India's 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative has gained huge momentum, completing 55 consecutive editions with over 22 million participants across India. It has spurred a cycling culture and promotes fitness from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Under the Fit India Movement, Sundays on Cycle (SoC) has gained strong momentum as a weekly fitness initiative. As of December 30, 2026, the programme has successfully completed 55 consecutive editions, reflecting sustained public participation and a continued commitment to fitness, according to a release from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Genesis of a Fitness Movement
Sundays on Cycle is a flagship initiative under the Fit India Movement, which was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29, 2019. The movement aims to make fitness a part of everyday life and to build a fit and healthy India by encouraging physical activity and wellness.
Nationwide Reach and Massive Participation
Over time, Sundays on Cycle has reached almost the entire country. Around 700 districts have hosted cycling events, including challenging regions like Kargil, where people cycled in temperatures as low as -10°C.
The initiative has seen huge participation, with over 22 million citizens taking part at more than 1.81 lakh locations across urban and rural India. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Nagaland to Gujarat, people have come together, making it a strong symbol of national unity.
Support from All Sections of Society
The first anniversary of Sundays on Cycle was celebrated across India, with a main event in Puducherry led by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. The movement has also encouraged the growth of cycling culture, with cycling clubs increasing to nearly 5,000 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs. People from all sections of society--students, teachers, doctors, government employees, police forces, Armed Forces personnel, MPs and community groups--have actively participated. Many sportspersons, actors, and public figures have also joined, inspiring more citizens to take part. Notable participants include: The Great Khali, PR Sreejesh, Sharath Kamal, Rani Rampal, Salima Tete, Lovlina Borgohain, Jackie Shroff, Rahul Bose, Gul Panag, Sharvari, Madhurima Tuli, Manchu Manoj, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Fit India Icons include Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Rohit Shetty, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani.
Innovative Initiatives to Promote Cycling
Carbon Credit Incentivisation Programme
To further promote cycling and reduce pollution and traffic congestion, a Carbon Credit Incentivisation Programme has been introduced through the Fit India Mobile App. The app tracks cycling activity and awards carbon credits based on movement. These credits can be redeemed for financial incentives and rewards, with top cyclists recognised through a monthly leaderboard. During the first anniversary celebrations, three Cycling Leaders of the Month were awarded brand-new bicycles.
Vehicle-Free Zones
Fit India also encourages institutions to create vehicle-free zones, allowing only cycling and walking within campuses. This initiative has already been implemented at Sawai Madho Singh Stadium, Jaipur, Rajgir Sports Complex, the Infosys campus and several IIT campuses, with more institutions expected to follow.
Growing Influence and Broader Impact
Large-scale SoC events are now being organised in cities such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Goa, Puducherry, and Kolkata, with active support from state governments. Citizen participation continues to rise steadily, reflecting the movement's growing influence.
The broader impact of the Fit India Movement is visible in national celebrations as well. Participation in National Sports Day 2025 surged to 3 crore, up from just 10 lakh earlier. International Women's Day was celebrated as a week-long programme across educational institutions, while International Yoga Day saw over 55,000 participants across 450+ locations. (ANI)
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