Visakhapatnam, Aug 23 (IANS) On the occasion of the BRICS Summit, Union Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of fitness and the growing reach of the Fit India Movement during the BRICS Friendship Sunday on Cycling event held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the event, Mandaviya said, “Today in Visakhapatnam, on the occasion of the BRICS Summit, the BRICS Friendship Sunday on Cycling event was organised. The Fit India Movement, led by our Prime Minister, is moving forward. Today, young people across more than 18,000 locations in the country are spreading the message of fitness through Sunday on Cycling…”
“Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise. It is also a solution to pollution and helps save fuel. We should all stay fit to build a Viksit Bharat. If every individual is fit, society as a whole will be fit,” he added.
The event was organised as part of the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting being held on Sunday, bringing together Sports Ministers and Heads of Delegation from the 11 BRICS member countries. The meeting is aimed at reaffirming the shared commitment of BRICS nations towards strengthening cooperation in sports.
India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting a people-centric and humanity-first approach.
“The ministerial engagements will build on the meetings and discussions held during India’s BRICS Chairship and provide an important platform for advancing cooperation among BRICS member countries,” the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said.
“The meeting is expected to culminate in the adoption of the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration and the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework,” it added.
According to the official press release, the Sports Track under India’s BRICS Chairship has focused on areas, including traditional and indigenous sports, sports technology, sports manufacturing and the finalisation of the Joint Declaration.
The Sports Ministers’ meeting will conclude with the adoption of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.
“The Sports Ministers’ Meeting will include statements by Heads of Delegation from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, followed by the adoption of the Joint Declaration.”
The BRICS Friendship Cycling Event also highlighted the broader objective of promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles while bringing together participants from member countries. The event was held alongside the wider BRICS sports engagements in Visakhapatnam.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the Sunday on Cycle event was flagged off at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, with people participating in the cycling activity as part of the nationwide Fit India initiative.
Speaking on the Fit India Sunday on Cycle event, former Indian Handball team captain and coach Naveen Punia said, “It’s a matter of great pride…..We have been connected with fitness from the very beginning, but today, it is great to see such a movement taking place across the country….We can certainly take some time out for fitness for at least one day….”
–IANS
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