Shooter Bhanwala Applauds Fit India Drive, Highlights Fairplay Spirit

Fairplay plays an important role in sports and fitness initiatives, and this was clearly visible at the 63rd edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event. The iconic Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex transformed into an arena of fitness with Zumba, yoga and rope-skipping zones coming alive with participation of more than 1000 individuals as the 63rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised at 1000 locations across the country in collaboration with the Fire and Emergency Department, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

New Delhi [India], March 1 (ANI): Leading Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala and international fencer Taniksha Khatri lavished praise for the nationwide Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, which promotes an active lifestyle among citizens by encouraging them to use a bicycle to maintain good health and reduce air pollution levels in their vicinity. Fairplay spirit was highlighted by both athletes as they emphasised the importance of equal opportunity for all to participate in fitness activities.

The dynamic duo were joined by Zumba and wellness coach Akanksha Tagotra and Fit India ambassador Nancy, according to a press release by SAI Media.

The iconic Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex transformed into an arena of fitness with Zumba, yoga and rope skipping zones coming alive with participation of more than 1000 individuals as the 63rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised at 1000 locations across the country in collaboration with the Fire and Emergency Department, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Fairplay at the event encouraged people of all ages to take part, making fitness inclusive and engaging.

“I would like to congratulate the Government of India, the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India for consecutively organising Fit India Sundays on Cycle for the 63rd week to create awareness among citizens about fitness. From identifying good locations to organising Zumba, rope skipping and yoga events along with cycling makes it entertaining for people of all age groups. Fit India has organised Sundays on Cycle this time in collaboration with the Fire and Emergency Services Department, and that makes it unique. The firefighters play a very important role in every denizen’s life,” Bhanwala told SAI Media after cycling around the iconic Mother Teresa Crescent road behind President’s Estate.

Bhanwala, who is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and trains at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, won a bronze in 25m rapid fire pistol at the recently-concluded Asian Championships in New Delhi. The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics, said that his eyes are trained on clinching an Asian Games medal to bolster his chances for competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Fairplay ideals guide his approach to both competitive sport and community fitness efforts.

Taniksha, who recently attended the month-long national camp for Epee at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, aims to clinch an elusive medal at the Asian Games in Japan. With India hosting the Asian Championships for the first time this June, Taniksha feels it gives her the opportunity to test her skills against the best in Asia. “Playing in front of my home crowd for the first time will be great when the Asian Championships are held in June. But more than that, it will also popularise fencing, which is seen as a niche sport. The Asian Championships will act as qualifiers for the Asian Games, where I reached the quarterfinals in the last edition in Hangzhou. I want to go one step further this time by clinching a medal in Asiad,” the 23-year-old from Karnal told SAI Media. Fairplay and encouragement from grassroots events like Fit India Sundays on Cycle motivate her goals.

“Today, watching so many people performing yoga, Zumba and cycling made me really excited. This is not just for sportspersons but for everyone, irrespective of their age. I would urge everyone to take out one hour every day for their personal fitness,” she added.

At Visakhapatnam, 800 cyclists and fitness lovers transformed the scenic RK Beach into a vibrant celebration of health, harmony and national spirit. From children pedalling with parents to senior citizens riding with quiet determination, the gathering this morning in Vizag reflected fitness in its most inclusive form. Fairplay was evident as participants of all ages embraced the initiative.

The event formally set the stage for the three-day Fit India Carnival 2026, being organised by the Sports Authority of India in Vizag, scheduled across Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, promising a plethora of fitness workshops, fun competitions, demonstrations and mass participation activities in the days ahead.