Kolkata, November 9, 2025: The City of Joy witnessed a record-breaking celebration of health and harmony as more than 4,000 cyclists pedaled through its iconic streets for the Fit India Kolkata Cyclothon 2025 — now recognized as Eastern India’s largest cycling event.Organized jointly by the Sports Authority of India (SAI – Regional Centre, Kolkata) and the Loha Foundation, with Coal India Limited as the presenting sponsor, the event marked Kolkata’s first chip-timed, large-scale fitness festival. It was held under the Fit India Movement and the nationwide “Sundays on Cycle” initiative launched by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Themed “Ride for Change, Ride for Kolkata,” the cyclothon transformed the city into a vibrant celebration of fitness, sustainability, and inclusivity. Participants across five categories — 70 KM Pro Ride, 50 KM Endurance Ride, 25 KM Amateur Ride, 10 KM Fun Ride, and 5 KM Fun Run — showcased the city’s growing passion for green mobility and active living.The event was graced by Padma Bhushan awardees Leander Paes and Usha Uthup, along with dignitaries including Shri Krishna Prakash, IPS (Honorary Race Director), Ms. Amar Jyoti, Executive Director, SAI RC Kolkata, Shri Mukesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar, and Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Chairman, Coal India Limited.
Adding to the morning’s festive energy, Bollywood singer Shadab Faridi delivered a power-packed live performance for the participants. The Postmaster General of Kolkata, Mr. Ashok Kumar, also released a special postal cancellation commemorating the Cyclothon’s first edition.
Over 300 specially-abled children from the National Institute of Locomotor Disabilities participated alongside their cycling buddies, making it a truly inclusive event. Teams from Railways, NDRF, Coal India, Police, and the Armed Forces joined the ride, reinforcing the spirit of collective fitness.
Leander Paes hailed the initiative as “a movement towards a healthier and greener India,” while Usha Uthup called it “a moment of pride and inspiration for Kolkata.”
Supported by Fit India, Mission LiFE, and local civic authorities, the event reflected the motto ‘स्वस्थ व्यक्ति, स्वस्थ परिवार, स्वस्थ समाज’ — A healthy individual builds a healthy society.
With unmatched enthusiasm, stellar participation, and a festival-like atmosphere, the Fit India Kolkata Cyclothon 2025 not only set a new benchmark for sporting events in the East but also inspired a powerful message — every pedal counts toward a fitter, cleaner, and stronger India.
