Odisha wraps up National Sports Day with rainy cycling rally

Bhubaneswar cyclists braved heavy rains on Sunday to pedal through city streets, marking an energetic finish to National Sports Day 2026. Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj personally led the 'Sunday on Cycle' rally on his bicycle to promote green mobility and personal health. Organizers from the state Sports and Youth Services Department flagged off the procession at Ekamra Kanan Square, with the route stretching to Utkal Hospital before returning to the start line. Cycling initiatives are gaining serious momentum across Odisha as urban centers push to reduce carbon emissions and tackle rising screen dependency among youth.

Three Days Dedicated To Fitness

Festivities kicked off earlier on August 28 to honor hockey icon Major Dhyan Chand. Built around the theme "Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein," the state organized events across three core pillars. Day one focused on 'Tribute,' day two centered on 'Play,' and Sunday finished with 'Move.' Participants ignored the harsh weather, showing strong commitment to the Fit India movement and the chief minister's "Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha" campaign.

Leaders Push for Active Living

Addressing the large crowd, Minister Suraj urged young citizens to build healthier habits. He stated that youth must prioritize playgrounds over play-stations and activity time over screen time. He also advised teenagers to avoid substance abuse and doping by making sports a daily habit.

Senior state officials strongly supported the green mobility campaign. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda, and Additional Secretaries Bijaya Kumar Swain and Sudhakar Nayak joined the event. CISF Commandants Rakesh Choudhary and Dhananjay Kumar also participated. Dedicated volunteers from MY Bharat, NSS, and NDRAF rode alongside everyday citizens to finish the rally.