Gul Panag and boxer Sweety Boora appeal on road safety, lead 'Fit India Sunday on Cycle'

Gurugram, January 19 (IANS). Actress Gul Panag and boxer Sweety Boora led the 'Fit India Sunday on Cycle' event organized in Gurugram on Sunday and made people aware about road safety. He led over 500 cyclists to the Leisure Valley Park in Gurugram.

Road safety was the theme of this week's nationwide cycling event, which was launched by Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya last month.

Actress Gul Panag said, “I have been associated with the Fit India campaign since it started many years ago. This is a great initiative by the Sports Authority of India. I think Fit India campaign is the only way we can build a sports and fitness culture that will help India win more medals in competitive fields. We have to start with fitness culture. This is where Fit India makes a great contribution. Sunday on Cycle is a great initiative. We can take time out for leisurely cycling on Sunday.”

He added, “Road safety is very important, especially for cyclists. Every year a large number of cyclists get seriously injured and some even die because drivers are not aware of cyclists on the road. Cyclists must wear protective gear such as helmets and knee and elbow guards. I would urge all motorists to be aware and take care of cyclists on the roads. Please cycle safely.”

Boxer Sweety Boora completed the 20 kilometer ride to Leisure Valley Park via Golf Course Road, AIT Chowk, Arya Samaj Road and Millennium City Centre. He gave the slogan, “Punch pollution and right hook drugs, because cycling has to be done on Sunday.”

He further said, “This is a great initiative by Fit India. I am very happy to be cycling after a long time. There are many benefits of cycling, including good knee condition, muscle strength and. It also improves the health of your heart and lungs. Whether you are young or old, cycling is beneficial for health.”

Over 80 riders completed the 11 km distance in freezing conditions and dense fog for the cycling event at the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala. The participants included administrative officials, players, support staff, coaches, diploma trainers and athletes from National Centers of Excellence (NCOE).

50 riders from the Indian Postal Department participated in the cycle rally at the regional center Gandhinagar, while 50 riders from the 15th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment cycled at RC Kolkata. NCOE Sonipat organized the event on the theme of Women Warriors at 10 venues including Khelo India Center (KIC) and Khelo India Recognized Academies (KIAA).

Young hockey athletes as well as sub junior world championship players Tamanna and Raveena also participated in the event.

'Fit India Sunday on Cycle' was also organized in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Meghalaya. Earlier, the cycling event featured soldiers of the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and prominent sports stars like Lovlina Borgohain, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Neetu Ghanghas and Simran Sharma (Para World Champion). Have participated.

The campaign also alerts the environment to reduce air pollution levels across the country.

'Fit India Sunday on Cycle' is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and My Bharat. The events are held simultaneously in multiple centers (NCOEs) as well as Khelo India Centers (KICs) across the country.

–IANS

MT/CBT