Kolkata : Promoting fitness, healthy living and community participation during Bengal’s festive season, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Kolkata, successfully organised the five-day Fit India Pedal to Pandal 2026 initiative from October 10 to 14 across different locations in West Bengal.
As part of the Fit India Movement, the initiative aimed to encourage people to incorporate cycling and regular physical activity into their daily routines while combining the spirit of fitness with the festive enthusiasm surrounding Durga Puja.
The cycling events were held every day from 6 am to 8 am, attracting participants from different backgrounds and highlighting cycling as an accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly form of exercise.
Cycling Events Across West Bengal
The initiative began on October 10 at the Sports Authority of India centre in Kolkata, with approximately 150 personnel from the 5th Bihar Regiment participating in the inaugural event. Sibananda Mishra, Regional Director, SAI NCOE Kolkata, was also present to encourage participants and emphasise the importance of regular physical activity.
The five-day programme covered several locations across the state, taking the message of fitness beyond Kolkata.
The cycling events were organised according to the following schedule:
- October 10: Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kolkata
- October 11: Tajpur to Mandarmani
- October 12: Burdwan Station to Ullash
- October 13: Cooch Behar Rajbari to Debibari
- October 14: Sports Authority of India (SAI), Kolkata
100 Participants Join Concluding Event
The programme concluded on Wednesday, October 14, at SAI Kolkata, with approximately 100 participants joining the final cycling event. The participation throughout the initiative highlighted the role of community-driven activities in spreading awareness about fitness and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
By organising cycling events across multiple locations, SAI NCOE Kolkata sought to inspire people from different walks of life to make physical exercise a regular part of their lives.
Fitness Meets Bengal’s Festive Spirit
The Fit India Pedal to Pandal 2026 initiative reaffirmed SAI NCOE Kolkata’s commitment to the objectives of the Fit India Movement. By linking cycling with the festive atmosphere of Durga Puja, the programme sought to make fitness more engaging and accessible to the public.
Beyond promoting physical well-being, the initiative also highlighted cycling as a sustainable mode of mobility and encouraged greater public participation in fitness activities.
The successful completion of the five-day programme reinforced the message that fitness need not be limited to gyms or organised sporting activities. Simple habits such as cycling can contribute to a healthier lifestyle while bringing communities together.
