Guwahati witnessed a landmark morning on Sunday, 24th May 2026, as the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre — Guwahati, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, organised a Special Edition of the popular ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative. What made this edition truly historic was its purpose: to celebrate India’s selection as the host nation for the Commonwealth Games 2030 — a momentous achievement that is set to place India, and the Northeast in particular, firmly on the global sporting map.
The event, held under the banner of CWG2030InBharat, brought together athletes, students, fitness enthusiasts, and citizens of Guwahati in a collective celebration of sport, fitness, and national pride. The sprawling and scenic IIT Guwahati campus set a magnificent backdrop for what was a morning of energy, inspiration, and purpose.
A Nationwide Celebration: The 75th Edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle
In one of the largest symbolic nationwide celebrations of fitness and sports, this special 75th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle united citizens across more than 8,000 locations nationwide on May 24. This edition, celebrating Commonwealth Games Day, marked a grand tribute to India’s sporting future and the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games in Amdavad (Ahmedabad).
Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, graced the event at IIT Guwahati as the Chief Guest for this special edition celebrating CWG2030InBharat. Joining her were Olympians and Commonwealth Games medallists Jayanta Talukdar and Sushila Devi Likmabam, as well as Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG).
The 75th edition was positioned not merely as a cycling drive, but as a nationwide sporting celebration showcasing India’s emergence as a global sports power. A special Commonwealth Games-themed exhibition was also inaugurated in Ahmedabad as well as at all SAI Regional Centres, highlighting India’s sporting achievements over the last 12 years — including milestones under the Khelo India Mission, India’s expanding sports infrastructure, and the country’s growing sports goods manufacturing ecosystem.
The initiative was aimed at deepening public engagement around India’s hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while simultaneously building momentum toward the country’s long-term Olympic ambitions. The Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre, Guwahati organised ‘The Commonwealth Games Open Quiz’ across its social media handles and ‘The Commonwealth Games Themed Drawing Competition’ across schools in Guwahati. The winners of both contests were felicitated by the guests, including Chief Guest Raksha Khadse, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The main national event was held in Ahmedabad, where it was graced by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, joined by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghvi.
A Morning of Sport, Culture, and Movement
The event was a rich tapestry of activities that went well beyond cycling. Participants took part in an energetic cycling rally through the IIT Guwahati campus, with hundreds of cyclists — from schoolchildren to senior citizens — pedalling together in a show of unity and fitness. The rally was a powerful visual representation of what the Fit India Movement stands for: a healthier, more active India.
Adding a unique cultural and martial dimension to the morning, the event also featured a spirited Thang-Ta performance — the traditional martial art of Manipur, recognised as one of India’s most ancient and revered combat disciplines. The performance drew widespread appreciation from the audience and served as a reminder of the rich sporting and cultural heritage of the Northeast. Complementing this, a group yoga session was also organised, encouraging participants to embrace holistic wellness as a way of life.
Chief Guest: Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Sports
The event was graced by the presence of Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest for the occasion. Her presence lent enormous significance to the event, underscoring the Central Government’s commitment to promoting grassroots sports culture and fitness across the country, particularly in the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, Khadse highlighted the importance of initiatives like Sundays on Cycle in building a sports-loving nation and expressed her confidence in India’s readiness to host a world-class Commonwealth Games in 2030.
“The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event has been organized in Guwahati to celebrate the Commonwealth Games, as we all know that India is going to host them. Through the Ministry of Sports, the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is being organized across the country every Sunday. The Fit India Movement was launched by our respected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi . Today, a wonderful event was organized at the IIT Guwahati campus as well. Due to the heavy rainfall, the overall participation was slightly lower, but despite the weather, a significant number of people turned up. The staff from both IIT Guwahati and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) actively participated in the event. From my side, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and many thanks to all of them.”. Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Commonwealth Medallists Inspire the Crowd
The event drew further inspiration from the presence of two of India’s celebrated Commonwealth Games medallists — Sushila Devi, the accomplished judoka who has represented India with distinction on the international stage, and Jayanta Talukdar, the legendary archer from Assam who has been a cornerstone of Indian archery for decades. Both athletes interacted with participants, shared their journeys, and called upon the youth of Assam to pursue sport with dedication and passion.
“Namaskar Bharat, I am Sushila Devi, a former Commonwealth Games medallist. Today, I am present here at the CWG Special Edition of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ — a fitness movement that India embraces with full enthusiasm every Sunday. And today, we celebrated its 75th edition, which was truly filled with the authentic spirit of the Commonwealth.
Having represented India on the international stage, it brings me immense pride to know that the Centenary Commonwealth Games are going to be hosted in Ahmedabad in 2030. This reminds us of just how far we have come as a sporting nation.
There was a time when athletes had to travel far and wide for world-class training and facilities. But today, that story has completely changed. Modern sports infrastructure, high-performance centres, and well-structured training systems across India are grooming new champions every single day. Now, our athletes can focus entirely on what matters most — performance and excellence.
India is no longer just participating. India is now ready to lead.”
— Sushila Devi Likmabam, Commonwealth Games Medallist (Judo)
“Hello Bharat, this is Jayanta Talukdar, a former Commonwealth Games medallist. Today, I’m proud to be part of the CWG Special Edition of Sundays on Cycle — a movement that has inspired fitness and unity across the nation. And with the 75th edition, the energy and spirit feel stronger than ever.
As someone who has worn the Bharat jersey and competed at the highest level, it fills me with pride to know that the Centenary Commonwealth Games will be hosted in Ahmedabad in 2030. This moment reflects how far we have come. Today we stand tall with world-class facilities, high-performance centres, and structured support systems being built across Bharat.
Bharat is not just growing in sports — Bharat is rising. And in 2030, we won’t just host the Games. We will set new standards.”Mr. Jayanta Talukdar, Commonwealth Games Medallist (Archery)
Looking Ahead: Sundays on Cycle on World Bicycle Day, 7th June
Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre, Guwahati will organise a city-wide special Sundays on Cycle on the 7th of June 2026 on the occasion of World Bicycle Day, where Executive Director of SAI Regional Centre Guwahati, D.K. Mittal, is hopeful of mass participation by the residents of the city.
