Cycling a solution to pollution, says Union Minister Mandaviya after BRICS Friendship Cycling event

Union Minister Mandaviya leads BRICS delegates and officials at the BRICS Friendship Cycling event, held along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam | Photo Credit: The Hindu Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said on Sunday (August 23, 2026) that delegates from all the BRICS countries had taken part in the ride and enjoyed it after the BRICS Friendship Cycling event, held as part of the BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026.Mr. Mandaviya said the cycling event coincided with the “Sundays on Cycle” initiative under the Fit India movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the initiative was held in around 1,800 cities across the country on Sunday (August 23), with about 50 lakh (five million) young people taking part nationwide.Describing cycling as an excellent form of exercise, Mr. Mandaviya called it a good solution to pollution and a means of improving fitness. He appealed to people to take part in cycling every Sunday to safeguard their health.The rally, held on a route from the Novotel Hotel to the Sea Harrier Museum and back, was attended by Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, BRICS delegates, SAAP managing director Bharani, Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) June Gallyot and Project Director (UCD) Satyaveni, besides Central government officials and a large number of young people. Published - August 23, 2026 11:16 am IST