Joginder Sharma, Squash Stars Promote Fitness; Sports Minister Leads ‘FIT India’ Cycling

T20 World Cup winner Joginder Sharma, known for bowling the iconic last over in the 2007 final against Pakistan, took part in the 'FIT India Sundays on Cycle' initiative.

The event kicked off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, covering a route through India Gate 'C' Hexagon, Kartavya Path, and Vijay Chowk before returning to the starting point.

Joginder, who now serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana after retiring from cricket, led nearly 1,000 cyclists in the capital. Participants included employees from various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as the Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Railways, Employee Provident Fund Organisation, and Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, among others.

Reflecting on the event, Joginder expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. "It was a great experience. This is a great initiative by the Government of India for spreading the message across the subcontinent to motivate citizens to stay fit. Today's 'Sundays on Cycle' was just a small example of that. We rode a bicycle for 6-7 kilometres starting from the National Stadium. Around 1000 individuals including children, men and women and even senior citizens took part in it. I want to thank our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and the Sports Authority of India for spreading the message of fitness and an active lifestyle. I also want to thank our Honourable Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for this wonderful initiative. One should eat a healthy diet. You should not eat anything that gives you problems," he told SAI Media.

Joining him in the fitness campaign were squash stars Ramit Tandon, Anahat Singh, and renowned coach Gregory Gaultier, advocating for #FightObesity and #PollutionKaSolution.

Anahat Singh, speaking about her experience, said, "It was really nice getting to be with so many people, just seeing everyone really enjoying the event. I have lived my whole life in Delhi and getting to see the India Gate so close was an amazing experience... Squash inside the court is one aspect, there is so much outside of it like nutrition, fitness. I think all of this is just as important as knowing the sport. Fitness has a big part in maintaining good health. Your well-being is also one of the main things."

Ramit Tandon also shared his thoughts, saying, "When I generally play squash it is pretty intense, so this was for the first time I was doing something much fun today when I participated in Sundays on Cycle. The Fit India movement is very encouraging for all athletes and it is important for Indian citizens as well that they stay in a healthy society. To see a plethora of people wake up early and be present for an activity like this gives me a lot of satisfaction."

Meanwhile, in Porbandar, Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a cycling event with 650 participants, including officers from 15 State and Central Government departments. The event aimed to promote fitness and raise awareness about pollution.

Encouraging citizens to embrace a healthier lifestyle, the Minister stated, "For a strong nation, one needs to invest in health." He urged people to adopt cycling and take part in the Fit India movement for overall well-being.

The Porbandar event saw participation from key organizations such as the Gujarat Police, Sports Authority of Gujarat, Indian Navy, Indian Postal Department, and Central Industrial Security Force. Notable attendees included Rear Admiral Satish Vasudev of the Indian Navy, District Magistrate SD Dhanani, and MLA Arjun Modhwadia, along with their teams.

Through these events, the message of fitness and an active lifestyle continues to reach people across the country.