Over 800 cyclists kick off ‘Fit India Carnival’ in Vizag

Over 800 cyclists launched the 'Fit India Carnival 2026' in Visakhapatnam, promoting fitness and community engagement through various activities.

The RK Beach Road in Visakhapatnam was transformed into a sea of activity on Sunday morning as over 800 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts gathered for the 63rd edition of “Fit India Sundays on Cycle.”

The event served as a grand curtain-raiser for the three-day ‘Fit India Carnival 2026’, which is set to bring a series of sports workshops and competitions.

Participants of all ages—from young children to senior citizens—joined the 5 km ride starting from Kalimatha Mandir. The initiative, originally launched in 2024 by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, has now grown into a massive national movement with over 25 lakh participants across the country.

The morning was not just about cycling. The atmosphere was charged with energy as practitioners from Yogasana Bharat led a peaceful yoga session, this was followed by an intense Zumba warm-up that saw the large crowd moving in perfect rhythm. Martial arts experts performed Kudo demonstrations, while rope skipping zones kept younger participants engaged. A special safety drill by the Fire & Emergency Services Department also provided onlookers with practical tips on handling emergencies.

Several prominent figures attended the event to show their support, including Animini Ravi Naidu, chairman of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, and MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu).

Adding sporting prestige to the gathering was Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist Jinson Johnson. While discussing the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, Mr. Johnson noted that India’s middle-distance runners are training exceptionally well and are expected to deliver strong performances. He emphasised that grassroot events like these are essential for building discipline for professional sporting excellence.