The State Model Institute of Ayurveda Sciences hosted the 80th edition of Fit India 'Sundays on Cycle' under the theme 'Community fitness ride'

The State Model Institute of Ayurveda Sciences(SMIAS) here on Sunday hosted the 80th edition of Fit India 'Sundays on Cycle' under the theme 'Community fitness ride'.

More than 200 students and faculty members of the institute enthusiastically participated in the cycling event and the various other fun activities that were organised.

The event saw participants take part in Bhangra, Garba, Zumba sessions that set the  ball rolling at the event.

The high octane dance sessions were followed by half hour long guided meditation session by representatives of the Heartfullness foundation.

Heartfullness foundation works to transform lives through popularising meditation, it works in 160 countries around the world.

The students indulged in games such as chess, carrom, snakes & ladders and ludo following the meditation session.

Speaking to SAI Media, chief guest of the event, endurance sports athelete Sarika Sharma said "fitness is something that has to be ingrained in people from their student days, so I am happy that this event is being organised in an educational institute.

Being an endurance athlete, I feel this Pan India Sunday on cycle will help in attracting people towards not only cycling but also other endurance Sports."

Sarika appeared upbeat about the growth of endurance sports in India

"during my last run, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026 in April, I saw first timers in good numbers, endurance sports seems to be growing among the Gen Z, as a lot of cycling clubs, running clubs have come up, and the youngsters seem to be socialising through these activities."

The Ahmedabad based athelete is the first  Indian woman to complete the full circuit of the SuperHalfs Half Marathon Series.

The SuperHalfs Half Marathon Series includes the following six half marathons-

EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (Portugal), Generali Prague Half Marathon (Czech Republic), Generali Berlin Half Marathon (Germany), Copenhagen Half Marathon (Denmark), Cardiff Half Marathon (Wales), Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich (Spain).

Principal of Sciences(SMIAS) Sweety Ruparel, herself an avid trekker stressed that health care professionals must adopt practices like cycling as they need to lead by example when it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle

"our institute has always been proactive in promoting sports, we have various sports activities in the campus, besides organising a week long multi sport 'Sports week' once a year which includes cricket, volleyball and other sports in which not only the students but teachers and doctors also take part, as everyone should participate in sports. Health care professionals must lead by example when it comes to health."

Started by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes and MY Bharat. The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs).

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