India’s sporting ambitions received a major boost as top athletes welcomed the country’s successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030, ending a 20-year gap. The announcement coincided with the 62nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organised in partnership with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation at over 1,000 locations across the subcontinent.
Olympic bronze medallist and hockey star Rupinder Pal Singh lauded the combined efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Indian Olympic Association, and National Sports Federations for securing the hosting rights. “The 2030 Commonwealth Games will provide Indian athletes the opportunity to compete on home soil, just like we did in 2010. It is a big motivation for all sportspersons and will strengthen India’s path towards hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics,” he said. Rupinder also highlighted the anticipated return of hockey and shooting to the Games, disciplines in which India has historically excelled.
The cycling event at Indira Gandhi Stadium saw over 500 participants ride alongside Rupinder, promoting active lifestyles and fitness awareness. He emphasized the importance of dedicating at least 30 minutes to an hour daily for personal health, especially in light of rising lifestyle-related diseases. The event also celebrated ESIC’s 75 years of service, with participation from senior officials including Ashok Kumar Singh (IAS), Director General, ESIC, and Mayank Srivastava (IPS), Deputy Director General, Khelo India, as well as Fit India champions Tanvee Tutlani and Atul Jindal.
Boxing bronze medallist Rohit Tokas said that hosting the 2030 Games would drive the development of sports infrastructure and inspire more young Indians to take up sports professionally. “Playing in front of a home crowd is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Events like these motivate athletes and create opportunities for the next generation,” he added, praising the energy and participation in the fitness drive.
Launched in December 2024 by Dr. Mandaviya, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has grown into a nationwide movement promoting fitness, sustainable mobility, and environmental awareness, engaging over 25 lakh citizens across more than 2 lakh locations. The initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, Rope Skipping teams, and MY Bharat, with simultaneous participation across all States, Union Territories, and national training centres.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
