Former Haryana minister Subhash Sudha flags off the cyclothon at Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra, to mark National Sports Day and Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary.
Sudha Flags Off Cyclothon at Brahma Sarovar to Mark National Sports Day; Calls for Greater Public Participation in Cycling and Sports
PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK KURUKSHETRA
Former Haryana minister Subhash Sudha has called upon people to make cycling a regular part of their lives, saying that even dedicating one day a week to cycling can contribute to better health and help build a healthier society. He said that while many people already cycle regularly, awareness programmes and public events such as cyclothons are important because they encourage more citizens to understand the value of physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Sudha was speaking after flagging off a cyclothon at Brahma Sarovar’s Purushottampura Bagh in Kurukshetra on Sunday. The event was organised by the District Sports Department to mark the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose birthday is observed across the country as National Sports Day.
Before the cyclothon commenced, Subhash Sudha, former Municipal Council vice-chairperson Uma Sudha, Sugandha Sudha, District Information and Public Relations Officer Dr Narendra Singh, District Sports Officer Manoj Kumar and retired District Sports Officer Yashvir Singh jointly flagged off the participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Sudha said that the initiative had been organised in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to encourage citizens, particularly young people, to pay greater attention to health, fitness and sports. He said physical activity should not be restricted to professional athletes and that ordinary citizens should also be encouraged to adopt activities such as cycling, walking and sports as part of their everyday routine.
He said that modern life had become increasingly hectic, leaving many people with little time for exercise. In such circumstances, cycling can provide a simple and accessible form of physical activity. Sudha encouraged citizens to make use of Sundays and other free time for cycling and said that greater participation in fitness activities would contribute to a healthier population.
He also emphasised the importance of sports in providing young people with a positive direction. Referring to efforts being made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, he said the younger generation should be encouraged to participate in sports and remain away from harmful habits, including substance abuse.
Sudha said that when citizens take responsibility for their physical well-being, the benefits extend beyond individual health. A physically fit and mentally positive population, he said, is better equipped to contribute to the progress and development of the country and the state.
The cyclothon also served as a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s most celebrated sporting icons. District Sports Officer Manoj Kumar said the event was organised with the support of the Sports Authority of India to commemorate the hockey legend’s birth anniversary.
Kumar said there was considerable enthusiasm among young participants during the cyclothon and described their participation as an encouraging sign for the promotion of sports and fitness. He said National Sports Day provides an opportunity to remember Major Dhyan Chand’s extraordinary contribution to Indian hockey while also inspiring young people to take sports seriously.
Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29 in Allahabad and became one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian hockey. He was part of the Indian Olympic teams that won gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. His remarkable skills and command over the game earned him widespread recognition and established him as an enduring symbol of Indian sporting excellence.
Kumar said young players should draw inspiration from Major Dhyan Chand’s discipline, dedication and commitment to excellence. He encouraged athletes to train regularly, maintain discipline and work with determination to achieve their goals and bring greater recognition to the country.
He said Major Dhyan Chand’s sporting journey demonstrated that sustained effort and commitment can help an individual reach the highest level of achievement. Young players, he added, should learn from such examples and approach their training with sincerity and dedication.
Former Municipal Council chairperson Uma Sudha also highlighted the importance of health and fitness in the development of a strong nation. She said every citizen should make an effort to incorporate cycling or another form of physical activity into their daily routine.
Uma Sudha appreciated the efforts of the District Sports Department to connect more people with cycling and create greater awareness about fitness. She said that the vision of a developed and self-reliant India would require a healthy and energetic younger generation capable of contributing positively to society.
She appealed to young people to stay away from drugs and use their energy in constructive activities. According to her, sports provide young people with an opportunity to develop discipline, confidence, teamwork and a positive outlook while also helping them maintain physical fitness.
DIPRO Dr Narendra Singh also encouraged people to cycle regularly. He said that cycling could play an important role in promoting physical fitness and creating awareness about healthy living. He encouraged citizens to cycle at least once a week and said that such programmes were aimed at motivating people to make physical activity a part of their lifestyle.
Dr Singh said that young people filled with courage, determination, positive energy and dedication could become important pillars of Haryana’s progress and prosperity. He stressed that youth energy should be channelled towards productive and constructive activities.
The cyclothon brought together sports officials, coaches, players, social workers and employees associated with the Sports Authority of India. The enthusiastic participation of young people added momentum to the event and strengthened its message of fitness and sports participation.
Coaches Jitender Singh, Pankaj Parashar, Punjab Singh, Chand Ram, Sunil Kumar and Shikha, along with social worker Vinod Garg, Balraj Grewal, players and SAI employees participated in the cyclothon organised to commemorate Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary.
The event also highlighted the broader significance of National Sports Day. While the occasion commemorates the achievements of Major Dhyan Chand, it also provides an opportunity to encourage citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and inspire young people to participate in sports.
The speakers emphasised that fitness should become a regular habit rather than something pursued only during special events. Cycling and other sporting activities can help people remain physically active while also promoting discipline and a positive attitude towards life.
The organisers said the cyclothon was designed to spread awareness about fitness, sports and healthy living among the public. Bringing young people together for such an event was also intended to encourage them to make constructive choices and stay away from harmful habits.
The programme concluded with an appeal for greater public participation in cycling and sports. The organisers expressed hope that the message generated through the event would encourage more citizens to take up cycling and other forms of physical activity.
The National Sports Day programme in Kurukshetra therefore combined a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand with a wider public campaign for fitness, healthy living and youth development. The participation of officials, sportspersons, young people and members of the community reinforced the message that a healthy society requires active participation from citizens at every level.
