DIG flags off cycle rally in Patiala

Addressing the gathering, Sidhu praised the NIS for organising the event and emphasised the importance of hosting such activities regularly to promote fitness and community participation

Tribune News Service

Patiala, Updated At : 04:14 AM Dec 18, 2024 IST

Patiala range DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu flags off a bicycle awarenessr rally, “Fit and Hit Indi”, at NIS in Patiala, on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAJESH SACHAR

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre at NIS here hosted the “Fit India Cycling Tuesdays” today, with DIG, Patiala Range, Mandeep Singh Sidhu flagging off the event as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Sidhu praised the NIS for organising the event and emphasised the importance of hosting such activities regularly to promote fitness and community participation.

Executive Director, NIS, Vineet Kumar said Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya had officially launched the initiative earlier in New Delhi.

The event here witnessed enthusiastic participation from top athletes, including former Olympian Shakti Singh, Asian Games gold medallist and Olympian Tejinder Pal Singh Toor, Olympians Rani Rampal Anu Rani.

Leading a 10 km joy ride from the NIS campus to the Fountain Chowk via Lower Mall Road and back, the participants were joined by athletes from Punjab national athletics team, NCOE athletes, local fitness enthusiasts and citizens. More than 250 persons took part in the event.

The campaign was launched simultaneously at over 1,000 venues across India today, with SAI regional centres hosting similar events. Cycling events will be held every Tuesday nationwide.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is conducting the initiative in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat, SAI regional centres, National Centres of Excellence, Khelo India Centres and district administrations.