Bhubaneswar: To promote 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 procession proceeded towards Utkal Hospital before looping back to the starting point.
The event marked the culmination of a three-day celebration that began on August 28 to commemorate 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 culminated today with ‘Move’.
Braving heavy rain, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj personally led the procession on a bicycle, setting an inspiring example of fitness and active living. Participants turned out in large numbers despite the adverse weather, demonstrating remarkable commitment to personal health and fitness.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ movement and furthers the Chief Minister’s vision of “Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha.”
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised the need for a crucial shift in lifestyle habits among the youth. “We must prioritise playgrounds over PlayStations and activity time over screen time,” he said.
He urged the younger generation to stay away from substance abuse and doping and to adopt sports as an integral part of their daily routine. The initiative also served as a broader campaign to reduce screen dependency, curb vehicular fuel emissions by encouraging green mobility, and promote regular cycling for personal wellness.
To amplify the movement across digital platforms, participants shared photos and videos using hashtags including #FitIndiaNSD2026, #KhelegaBharatJeetegaBharat, #FitIndia, and #KhelibaOdishaJitibaOdisha, spreading Odisha’s message of health and sustainability across the nation.
The event witnessed the participation of several senior dignitaries, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia; Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda; Additional Secretaries Bijaya Kumar Swain and Sudhakar Nayak; and CISF Commandants Rakesh Choudhary and Dhananjay Kumar.
Volunteers from MY Bharat, the National Service Scheme (NSS), NDRAF, and members of the general public also turned out in large numbers to support the campaign.
