The event was flagged off at 6:00 AM from the Bypass Railway Station, Sopore, by chief guest DySP Muhammad Abdullah and Sanctorum Institution MD Shakir Ashraf.
SOPORE, JUN 6: Hundreds of schoolchildren took to the streets of north Kashmir’s Sopore town early on Saturday as the Sports Development Forum (SDF), in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, organised the ‘Fit India Cyclothon 2026’ and ‘Pedal for Fitness’ event. The cyclothon, aimed at promoting fitness, health awareness, and an active lifestyle among the younger generation, witnessed an overwhelming response, with young cyclists pedalling through the main bypass road before concluding their journey at the Khushal Stadium amid cheering from parents and locals.
Police Department: “The police department is committed to supporting every civil initiative that builds a healthy and strong generation,” the DySP said, adding that regular cycling and physical activity could act as a powerful deterrent against growing sedentary habits among school children.
MD Sanctorum Shakir Ashraf lauded the efforts of the forum and urged students to make physical activity a part of their daily routine. “Initiatives like these are crucial for building a healthy and strong India. When our children ride for health, they secure tomorrow,” he said.
Javid Ahmad Bhat, President of the Sports Development Forum, Sopore, said the primary objective was to channel the energy of the youth into constructive fitness habits. “We are witnessing a sedentary lifestyle crisis. Today, we saw hundreds of students choose the bicycle over the screen. This is the true spirit of ‘Healthy India, Strong India’,” Bhat said.
Fit India Movement: The event, supported by the Sanctorum Institute of Education, Sopore, concluded with a pledge ceremony at Khushal Stadium, reinforcing the mission of the ‘Fit India Movement’.