New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today unveiled the trophy of the UCI Class 2.2 Pune Grand Tour, a prestigious international cycling event, at an event held at New Delhi, today.
The unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s expanding footprint on the global cycling and sports calendar.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the growing prominence of cycling in India’s sporting and fitness ecosystem. He noted that initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle under the Fit India Movement have played a pivotal role in making cycling an integral part of the country’s sporting culture and everyday life.
The Minister also emphasised on India’s remarkable rise in fitness consciousness in recent years, with cycling emerging as a preferred activity for people across age groups.
Describing cycling as one of the most holistic forms of fitness, he stated that it promotes physical endurance, mental well-being and environmental sustainability, while aligning seamlessly with the objectives of the Fit India Movement.
Highlighting India’s readiness to host major international sporting events, Dr. Mandaviya said, “Cycling must be promoted not only as a fitness activity but also as a competitive sport and a cultural movement, capable of producing Olympic champions. Major events such as the University Games and the upcoming grand cycling event in Pune reflect India’s growing capacity to host world-class sporting competitions.”