New Delhi, August 31, 2025: With the objective of promoting sports and fitness across the country, the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) successfully concluded its 800-kilometer long cycling expedition under the Major Dhyan Chand National Sports Festival. The grand finale took place on Sunday at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, on the closing day of the three-day National Sports Festival organized to mark National Sports Day. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
The 800-kilometer cycling expedition, which began on August 24 from Prayagraj, spread the message of fitness across several cities and towns before reaching its final destination at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Here, it was integrated with the popular fitness event “Sunday on Cycle”, organized under the Fit India Movement with the support of the Sports Authority of India. Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts participated, infusing new energy into the nation on the importance of sports, active lifestyle, and health.
In his address at the closing ceremony, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that “Sports are not just a means of competition but an art of living. Campaigns like the Fit India Movement aim to inspire every citizen towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. This initiative is a significant step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, as a healthy India is the foundation of a strong India.”
The 800-kilometer cycling expedition organized under the Major Dhyan Chand National Sports Festival was a unique initiative aimed at promoting fitness, health, and the importance of sports across the country. The campaign was jointly organized with the support of the Fit India Movement, Sports Authority of India, and the Brahma Kumaris Sports Wing.
Dr. Piyush Jain, National Secretary of PEFI, shared that the expedition began with great enthusiasm from Prayagraj, flagged off by Shri Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister of Youth Program and Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Ramesh Chandra Mishra, MLA, Badlapur. Their encouraging words filled the participants with renewed zeal.
This journey was not merely a cycling expedition but a mission to spread the message of “Fit India, Healthy India” to every citizen. Along the route, the cycling team received a grand welcome in towns and cities, with crowds, energetic slogans, and enthusiastic participation transforming the campaign into a true people’s movement.
The campaign witnessed overwhelming participation: more than 1,000 cycling enthusiasts joined in Prayagraj at the start. In Fatehpur, Members of Parliament and local representatives welcomed the team with over 2,000 active participants. In Kanpur, the District Olympic Association and PEFI representatives honored the cyclists. In Orai, NCC cadets and Army officers extended a warm reception. A deeply emotional and inspiring moment came in Jhansi, with a special interaction with Major Dhyan Chand’s family. In Gwalior, the cyclists were welcomed by Bharat Singh Kushwaha, Member of Parliament, Gwalior, and Pankaj Mishra, Advisor, Minister of State for Environment & Forests. Special programs were also held at LNIPE and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre to promote fitness.
Finally, this inspiring expedition concluded in the national capital Delhi during the “Sunday on Cycle” program. The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Mr. Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India, Nadeem Dhar, Director, Fit India Movement, Dr. Piyush Jain, National Secretary, PEFI, and Dr. Jagbir, Brahma Kumaris Sports Wing, among others.
