Bhubaneswar: To commemorate National Sports Day, Odisha’s Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj flagged off the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ rally at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday morning.
The event was organised by the Sports and Youth Services Department in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India and the Odisha Cycling Association.
The rally began from the Kalinga Stadium and covered key routes in the city, promoting awareness about fitness and sustainable transport.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of citizens, including fitness enthusiasts, athletes, students, and local residents. The initiative aimed to promote physical fitness, healthy living, and community bonding, while aligning with the vision of the Fit India Movement.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “National Sports Day is not only a tribute to our sporting icons but also a reminder for every citizen to embrace fitness and well-being. Through today’s cycle rally, we are encouraging everyone to remain active and healthy. Similar rallies have been organised in various districts of the state, receiving tremendous public response. To build a fit and healthy Odisha, activities like yoga, exercise and cycling should become a part of our daily routine.”
Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Minati Mahapatra, President of the Odisha Cycling Association; Deepankar Mahapatra, CEO, Hockey Promotion Council Odisha; Ashok Kumar Panda and Bijay Kumar Swain, both Additional Secretaries of the Sports and Youth Services Department.
