New Delhi, February 22, 2026: Highlighting India’s rapid strides towards becoming a sports powerhouse, iconic athletes Rupinder Pal Singh and Rohit Tokas expressed deep appreciation for the country’s successful award of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 after a long gap of 20 years.
Underscoring India’s capability of hosting international events and progress towards its Olympic aspirations for 2036, the 62nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was organised with ESIC at over 1000 locations across the subcontinent.
Rupinder Pal Singh, who was part of the Indian hockey team that won an Olympic bronze medal after a gap of 40 years at Tokyo 2020, said the massive push by the Government of India and collective efforts by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) helped secure the hosting rights. He said the event would act as a catalyst in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of staging the Summer Olympics in 2036.
“The Commonwealth Games will be happening in India after a gap of 20 years which is big news for all Indian sportspersons. This was made possible due to the combined efforts of the government, the Sports Ministry, IOA and national federations. For players who get a chance to compete and win medals in front of their home fans, it is the most memorable opportunity. We clinched 100 medals in Delhi 2010 and I am confident we will produce a similar performance in 2030,” Rupinder Pal Singh told SAI Media at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
“Hockey and shooting were dropped from the Commonwealth Games fold since the Birmingham edition, where India has historically won many medals. I believe those disciplines will return in 2030 and motivate our players further. It is pleasant news for all Indian sportspersons,” he added.
The 62nd edition of the cycling movement was organised at more than 1000 locations in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), coinciding with their celebration of 75 years of service. Rupinder was joined by senior officials and Fit India champions Tanvee Tutlani and Atul Jindal.
“I was happy to see more than 500 people cycle with me today. The Fit India movement encourages citizens to dedicate at least 30 minutes to one hour daily for fitness. With lifestyle diseases rising, it is important to make fitness part of everyday life,” Rupinder said.
Rohit Tokas Welcomes CWG 2030 Hosting
Rohit Tokas, bronze medallist in boxing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, said hosting the 2030 edition would boost sports infrastructure and inspire youngsters.
“It is very motivating that the Commonwealth Games are coming to India again. Playing in front of a home crowd cheering for you is an experience of a lifetime. Boxers have performed consistently well in the Commonwealth Games and I am sure we will deliver an even better performance in 2030 in Gujarat. Hosting such events also accelerates infrastructure development, as seen in Delhi 2010,” Rohit Tokas said.
“Participating in Fit India Sundays on Cycle was a fantastic experience. I urge everyone to follow the discipline of athletes and make fitness an integral part of life,” he added.
Fit India Movement Gains Momentum
Initiated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle promotes fitness, environmental awareness and sustainable mobility. The initiative has evolved into a nationwide jan andolan, witnessing participation of over 25 lakh citizens across more than 2 lakh locations.
The movement is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes, Ropeskipping team and MY Bharat. The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.