On International Women’s Day, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a special cycle rally in Telangana to honor women’s accomplishments in sports. The event, alongside the Chintan Shivir, aimed to support India’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the bid for the 2036 Games. The ASMITA newsletter, promoting women’s sports opportunities initiated by the government in 2021, was launched. Prominent athletes, including former Olympian Pulella Gopichand, emphasized the need for policies to uplift women in sports. Mandaviya also encouraged adopting cycling as a regular fitness habit, aligning with the Fit India Movement to combat lifestyle diseases.
On Saturday, state sports ministers, athletes, and administrators gathered with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, for a special cycle rally celebrating International Women’s Day at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Telangana. During the rally’s flag-off, Dr. Mandaviya remarked, “This cycle rally is a testament to our Nari Shakti, showcasing the determination, leadership and excellence of women in sports and beyond.” Coinciding with the Chintan Shivir, a national conference of state ministers and key stakeholders focused on India’s preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics and the bid for the 2036 Summer Games, the rally garnered significant enthusiasm from members of Kanha Shanti Vanam, a wellness and spiritual retreat.
In celebration of Women’s Day, Mandaviya, along with Secretary (Sports) Sujata Chaturvedi and former Olympian badminton star Pulella Gopichand, launched the ASMITA newsletter, which embodies the ‘Sports For Women’ mission initiated by the government in 2021. The newsletter also showcases the impressive reach of the ASMITA leagues and their transformative impact on the lives of young women aspiring to pursue sports careers.
Former All-England champion Gopichand, who has coached Olympic medalists such as Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, stated: “Women have won more Olympic medals for India, and it is essential to promote them even further. ASMITA serves as an excellent platform, and when 15 sports ministers collaborate with Dr. Mandaviya to discuss the future of sports and pursue our Olympic dreams, it is a commendable initiative. It is crucial that the right policies are properly crafted and effectively implemented.”
The cycling rally was led by Assam’s Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, accompanied by women trainees from the Gopichand badminton academy and para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji, who won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Mandaviya participated in the cycling rally and emphasized the importance of incorporating cycling into daily habits for a healthier lifestyle. His Sundays on Cycle initiative, aimed at promoting cycling across the country, has gained momentum, encouraging individuals to include cycling in their routine.
“Cycling should be fashionable and serve as a tool to combat obesity and lifestyle diseases. I urge every citizen to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement by dedicating at least one hour every Sunday to fitness,” he encouraged.
The event at Kanha Shanti Vanam was a vibrant sea of yellow, with all participants enjoying the refreshing early morning breeze as they cycled along the scenic 3-km route with enthusiasm.
Gorlosa expressed, “I haven’t cycled in 30 years. It brought back wonderful memories. When Dr. Mandaviya invited me to cycle, I couldn’t refuse, and I don’t regret it. Celebrating Women’s Day made it even more special, and I wholeheartedly believe that cycling promotes fitness and channels energy effectively.”
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