To champion a healthy, green, and fit Odisha, the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, successfully hosted the ‘Sunday on Cycle’ rally today, marking the grand conclusion of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations.
Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, flagged off the rally from Ekamra Kanan Square. The route proceeded toward Utkal Hospital before looping back to the starting point.
The event capped off a three-day celebration initiated on August 28 to honor the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Built around the central call “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein”, the festival progressed through its core pillars—’Tribute’ on day one, ‘Play’ on day two, and culminating today with ‘Move’.
Braving heavy rain, Minister Suraj personally led the procession on a bicycle, setting an inspiring benchmark for fitness and active living. Participants joined in large numbers despite the adverse weather, demonstrating remarkable dedication to personal health. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ movement and furthers Chief Minister’s vision of *”Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha”.*
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized a crucial shift in lifestyle habits for the youth: “We must prioritize playgrounds over play-stations and activity time over screen time.” He urged the younger generation to stay clear of substance abuse and doping, adopting sports as an integral part of their daily routine. The initiative served as a broader campaign to reduce screen dependency, curb vehicular fuel emissions in favor of green mobility, and promote regular cycling for personal wellness.
To amplify the movement digital-wide, participants shared photos and videos using hashtags including `#FitIndiaNSD2026`, `#KhelegaBharatJeetegaBharat`, `#FitIndia`, and `#KhelibaOdishaJitibaOdisha`, broadcasting Odisha’s message of health and sustainability across the nation.
The event witnessed prominent participation from senior dignitaries, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Sports & Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretaries Bijaya Kumar Swain and Sudhakar Nayak, alongside CISF Commandants Rakesh Choudhary and Dhananjay Kumar. Volunteers from MY Bharat, National Service Scheme (NSS), NDRAF, and members of the general public turned out in strong numbers to support the campaign.
